AP BIOLOGY

BIOCHEMISTRY

PROPERTIES OF WATER

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
The makeup of most living things is water. It plays a vital role in maintaining internal conditions, like homeostasis. Which property of water makes it good at regulating temperature of most living organisms?
A
Water is a good solvent.
B
Water exhibits strong cohesion.
C
Water has an unusual crystalline structure.
D
Water has a high capacity for heat.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Furthermore, because many organisms are mainly composed of water, the property of high heat capacity allows highly regulated internal body temperatures.

Detailed explanation-2: -Water’s extensive capability to dissolve a variety of molecules has earned it the designation of “universal solvent, ” and it is this ability that makes water such an invaluable life-sustaining force. On a biological level, water’s role as a solvent helps cells transport and use substances like oxygen or nutrients.

Detailed explanation-3: -Living organisms need water because it plays a vital role in the reactions taking place within organism’s cells and body. Water acts as a universal solvent, providing a medium for the chemical reactions to occur. Substances are also transported from one part of body to the other in the dissolved state.

Detailed explanation-4: -Furthermore, water has a high specific heat because it takes a lot of energy to raise or lower the temperature of the water. As a result, water plays a very important role in temperature regulation. Since cells are made up of water, this property helps to maintain homeostasis.

Detailed explanation-5: -As the water evaporates, energy is taken up by the process, cooling the environment where the evaporation is taking place. In many living organisms, including in humans, the evaporation of sweat, which is 90 percent water, allows the organism to cool so that homeostasis of body temperature can be maintained.

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