 Organic compounds are carbon-containing compounds  Examples: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids  Inorganic compounds do not contain carbon and tend to simpler, smaller molecules  Examples: Water, Salt, Acids, and Bases

1. High Heat Capacity- absorbs and releases large amounts of heat, regulates temperature 2. Polarity/Solvent Properties- Water can dissolve and suspend solutes, “Universal Solvent” 3. Chemical Reactivity- important reactant in many chemical reactions, especially hydrolysis 4. Cushioning- used to protect body parts as a fluid

 Salts have charges (as electrolytes) that direct and take part in different functions of the body  Salts are essential for nerve impulses and hemoglobin molecules