Chapter 2, Problem 1RE

REFLECT AND APPLY Why is water necessary for life?

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason behind the necessity of water for life needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Water is one of the most important components of all cells. The unique geometry of a water molecule allows it to act as a solvent.

It determines the properties of living systems. A water molecule comprises a single hydrogen atom and two oxygen atoms, which are present with a bent geometry and form a bond angle of 104.3 $°$.

Answer to Problem 1RE

Solution:

Water has the capability to form hydrogen bonds and indicates the properties of many other important biomolecules. It provides great versatility in biochemical reactions as it can serve as an acid as well as a base.

Explanation of Solution

There are several important properties of water that makes it necessary for life. A water molecule is polar in nature, which allows it to act as a solvent. Ionic and polar compounds with partial charges tend to dissolve in water. The molecules of water have dipoles, because of which the ions present in a solution interact with the water molecules.

Water molecules have two hydrogen atoms that can contribute to the formation of hydrogen bonds. Water acts as an acid as well as a base as it can give proton ions as well as hydroxide ion in a solution. The fluid nature of water allows it to transfer substances from one cell to another. It helps to build blocks in creating macromolecules and participates in most of the reactions taking place inside the body.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that water is necessary for life because of its unique geometry, which allows it to dissolve most of the substances present in nature in it. The dipole nature of its atoms allows it to interact with the ions present in it. It also allows the transfer of substances from one cell to another.