What properties does water possess that make it an essential molecule for life?

·       Solvent – Good for polar substances (salts, sugars, simple alcohols)

·       Heat Capacity – Energy to raise 1kg water by 1oK. Keeps blood temperature stable

·       Heat of Vaporisation – Good for sweat, absorbs a lot of energy

·       Density and Freezing – Maximum density at 4oC, cold water insulates warm water underneath. Ice also has a lower density than water so floats

·       Surface Tension and Cohesion – Cohesion drives water up Xylem, Surface tension allows bugs to walk across it

·       Reagent – Hydrolysis reactions, H source in photosynthesis

·       Viscosity – Makes transport easier (Osmosis, swimming)

·       Support – Not easily compressed (Turgid cells, amniotic sac, hydrostatic skeleton)

·       Amphoteric – Good buffer

CB
Answered by Connor B. Biology tutor

4310 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the path of a red blood cell through the heart


Explain how the body responds to a fall in water potential.


What features of the nephron allow ultrafiltration to take place in the kidneys?


Could you name and describe the different stages of the mitotic cell cycle?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences