Essay 14: The biological importance of water

The biological importance of water:

• Structure (Dipolar, Hydrogen bonds)
• Solvent (Hydrophobic/phillic interactions, proteins, nucleic acids, diffusion of molecules, dilution of toxic compunds- urea)
• Osmosis and turgidity (Effect on plants)
• Transport medium (Xylem, phloem, blood, lymph, secretion, excretion)
• High heat capacity (Temperature regulation)
• High heat of vapourisation (Cooling effect- sweating…