Water

Question 1

Describe and explain the properties of water.

Answer 1

1. Metabolites as they can take part in metabolic reactions inside cells (hydrolysis and condensation)
2. Solvent of other polar solutes and ionic salts which allows ions to move around freely and take part in other reactions
3. The cohesive nature of water molecules means they can move as a continuous stream in mass flow
4. The top surface of water molecules do not have any other water molecules on top of them which creates surface tension meaning insects can walk on water
5. High latent heat of vaporisation provides a cooling effect dues to little water lost through evaporation
6. High specific heat capacity buffers temperature change