Life: The Science of Biology 11th Edition

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1-31901-016-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-31901-016-4

Chapter 2 - Small Molecules and the Chemistry of Life - 2.4 - Water Is Critical for Life - 2.4 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 39: 1

Answer

Water is important in living systems because of the special properties due to its hydrogen bonds. For example, water promotes both cohesion and adhesion and is "sticky" because hydrogen bonding between different molecules attract one another. This allows it to travel up the stems of plants and create surface tension. Additionally, water's solid form is less dense than its liquid form, creating a unique crystal lattice structure that acts as insulation as ice resides above the waters of a frozen lake. As a result of its polarity, water acts as a universal solvent, facilitating transport within living organisms by dissolving anything from glucose to salt.

Work Step by Step

Water is important in living systems because of the special properties due to its hydrogen bonds. For example, water promotes both cohesion and adhesion and is "sticky" because hydrogen bonding between different molecules attract one another. This allows it to travel up the stems of plants and create surface tension. Additionally, water's solid form is less dense than its liquid form, creating a unique crystal lattice structure that acts as insulation as ice resides above the waters of a frozen lake. As a result of its polarity, water acts as a universal solvent, facilitating transport within living organisms by dissolving anything from glucose to salt.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.