1.1.A—Explain how the properties of water that result from its polarity and hydrogen bonding affect its biological…

Explain how the properties of water that result from its polarity and hydrogen bonding affect its biological function.

• Living systems depend on the properties of water to sustain life.
  • i. Water has polarity, because of the formation of polar covalent bonds between hydrogen and oxygen within water molecules. This polarity contributes to hydrogen bonding between and within biological molecules.
  • ii. Water has a high specific heat capacity, which allows for the maintenance of homeostatic body temperature within living organisms.
  • iii. Water has a high heat of vaporization, which allows for the evaporative cooling of the surrounding environment. In living organisms, this property allows for body temperature to be maintained.
• The hydrogen bonds between adjacent polar water molecules result in cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension.