Explain the compound water, Biology

Assignment Help:

Explain the compound water?

Water :  Water is the most important compound in living cells, making up most of the bulk of living organisms. Our own bodies contain 40% - 60% water. We can survive without food longer than we can without water. Water has several unique properties that make it important to living organisms:

(1) Water is a good solvent. More substances dissolve in water than in any other liquid. Because of its polar nature, water is able to break up ionic compounds into their component ions, freeing them to react with other substances.

(2) Because it is a polar molecule, water is both cohesive and adhesive, which results in capillarity, the ability to move through small orifices or fine pores against the force of gravity and other forces.

(3) The heat of vaporization of water is high; that is, water takes up large quantities of heat when it evaporates, making it a good evaporative coolant. Both plants and animals use water evaporation from surface cells for cooling.

(4) Water has a high specific heat, meaning that it requires a large amount of heat to change its temperature. Since living organisms are made up mostly of water, they gain and lose heat slowly. Water is able to absorb heat from chemical reactions in the organisms.

(5) Water has a high thermal conductivity, or heat conduction, which helps to keep parts of the organism from overheating.

(6) Because of its cohesion, water has a high boiling point. The significance of this is that water does not readily change from a liquid to a gas. In fact, a relatively large quantity of heat is required to change water from a liquid state into gaseous steam.

 


Related Discussions:- Explain the compound water

How to prevent and control pem, How to Prevent and Control PEM? Any pr...

How to Prevent and Control PEM? Any programme aimed at prevention of PEM should be holistic and comprehensive considering the family as a unit. Since the effects of under nutr

Nervous system of echinoderms, Nervous System of Echinoderms Previous ...

Nervous System of Echinoderms Previous to studying the nervous system of echinoderms, you have to bear in mind the peculiar organization of these animals. Here as well, the ne

Explain about freezing point - properties of solutions, Freezing Point - Pr...

Freezing Point - Properties of Solutions The freezing point of a material is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a solid. A liquid freezes when its vapour pre

Explain the alterations occuring in cereal, Alterations occuring in cereal ...

Alterations occuring in cereal & cereal products, legumes You are already aware of the chemical composition of cereals and pulses.  We will now look into changes occurring in t

Seed dispersal, what are the characteristics of the stages in seed dispersa...

what are the characteristics of the stages in seed dispersal

Determine the use of natural colourants, Determine the use of natural colou...

Determine the use of natural colourants The use of natural colourants is limited due to their instability, low tinctorial power or price disadvantage.  The trend towards natura

Estimate the results of tetralogy of fallot, Estimate the Results of Tetral...

Estimate the Results of Tetralogy of Fallot? In excellent centres, the mortality is reported one per cent or less. In infants and babies with low weight, higher mortality is ex

Difference, 1:What is the difference between TERGA and STERNA? 2:What is th...

1:What is the difference between TERGA and STERNA? 2:What is the difference between AMPHID and PHASMID?

What would be the probability the result, A plant grown from one of Mendel'...

A plant grown from one of Mendel's yellow pea is selfed. Three progeny peas from this are obtained and they are all green. Is the original plant homozygous or heterozygous, and wha

Defination and use of stem cell, Stem cell research has been promoted as a ...

Stem cell research has been promoted as a future medical cure-all for a host of diseases, including Alzheimer's and diabetes, as well as a potential breakthrough for organ replacem

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd