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

Special property of a persistent insecticide, a) What is the special proper...

a) What is the special property of a 'persistent' insecticide? b) In what ways is 'persistence' (i) a useful property, (ii) a harmful property?   (a) A persisten

Explain some effect of inadequate nutrition, Explain some Effect of Inadequ...

Explain some Effect of Inadequate nutrition? Inadequate nutrition ranks as one of the major problems of old age. Various factors which may be responsible for the change in one

What are the preservation of insulin, What are the Preservation of Insulin ...

What are the Preservation of Insulin Regular insulin is stable for 18 months at 23.8 0 C and Lente insulin are stable for 24 months at this temperature. Although refrigeration

Physiology of respiration, PHYSIOLOG Y OF RESPIRATION - 1 .      EXC...

PHYSIOLOG Y OF RESPIRATION - 1 .      EXCHANGE OF GASES - It is Haemotasis. It takes place in Alveoli between alveolar air and arterial cappilary by diffusion i.e., f

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

Define prevention of vitamin a deficiency, Define Prevention of vitamin A d...

Define Prevention of vitamin A deficiency? Since dietary inadequacy is the major cause for micronutrient deficiencies, the most rational approach to prevent these deficiencies

Explain le compte operation-rev procedure, Explain Le Compte Operation-REV ...

Explain Le Compte Operation-REV Procedure ? This is an alternative type of repair for TGA, VSD and left ventricular outflow obstruction (LVOTQ). In this operation an extrinsic

Explain procedure for isolation of pure culture, Explain Procedure for Isol...

Explain Procedure for Isolation of Pure Culture? Now carry out the exercise following the steps enumerated herewith. 1. Label the name of the organism on the bottom of the p

Cutaneous respiration in earthworm., Cutaneous respiration in earthworm. ...

Cutaneous respiration in earthworm. The respiration performed by the skin is called cutaneous respiration  In earthworm skin is the only organ of respiration. The skin

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