Essentials of Biology
Essentials of Biology
4th Edition
ISBN: 9780078024221
Author: Sylvia S. Mader Dr., Michael Windelspecht
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
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Chapter 25, Problem S2.2BYB
Summary Introduction

To discuss:

Properties of water that makes it an important nutrient for all life-forms.

Introduction:

Water makes up to 70% of the weight of living systems. It has various properties that make it essential for all living organisms, such as high attraction towards polar molecules, higher specific heat and high heat of vaporization, high polarity, and high surface tension. Hydrogen bonding between water molecules is responsible for most of these properties.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

Water is most abundant and is an essential substance for all living forms present on the Earth. The first living organism was also evolved in an aqueous environment. Water molecules show various properties that make it essential for life. Most of the unusual properties of water are because of hydrogen bonding. It shows higher boiling point, melting point, and higher vaporization heat.

Water can balance the temperature changes due to high specific heat and vaporization heat. Water acts as a good solvent for polar molecules. These molecules dissolve into the water by making hydrogen bonding with water molecules. High surface tension of water helps in floating of various insects on the water surface.

Conclusion

Various properties of water such as high specific heat and the polar nature make it an important nutrient for all living-organisms.

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