Summary
A polar molecule that forms hydrogen bonds, giving cohesion, high specific heat and excellent solvent ability essential for life.
In depth
Water is bent and polar, so molecules form hydrogen bonds with each other. This gives cohesion (water columns in plants), adhesion, high surface tension, a high specific heat capacity (about 4.18 J per gram per degree, buffering temperature in cells and oceans) and a high latent heat of vaporisation (sweating cools).
Ice is less dense than liquid water because hydrogen bonds hold molecules in an open lattice, so lakes freeze from the top and life survives below. As a solvent, water dissolves ions and polar molecules (hydrophilic) and excludes nonpolar ones (hydrophobic), which drives membrane and protein structure.
Each water molecule can form up to four hydrogen bonds, and these bonds constantly break and re-form within picoseconds, which makes water liquid over a wide range. Ice is less dense than liquid water because bonds lock into an open lattice, so lakes freeze from the top and life survives below.
Water is the universal solvent for ions and polar molecules, and it takes part in reactions as a reactant (hydrolysis) and product (condensation, photosynthesis). Its high latent heat of vaporisation means sweating and transpiration cool organisms effectively.
Frequently asked questions
What is Water Properties?
A polar molecule that forms hydrogen bonds, giving cohesion, high specific heat and excellent solvent ability essential for life.
Which area of biology covers Water Properties, and how advanced is it?
Water Properties is one of the 51 topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Triglycerides, Amino Acids, Phospholipids.
Why does Water Properties matter?
Nearly every reaction in a cell happens in water, and water itself is a reactant in hydrolysis and photosynthesis.
Can you give an example of Water Properties?
Pond skaters walk on water because surface tension from cohesion supports their weight.
What should I learn before Water Properties?
Water Properties is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry that pair well with it include Carbon Chemistry, Carbohydrates, Monosaccharides.
What topics are related to Water Properties?
The closest topics to Water Properties are Triglycerides, Amino Acids, Phospholipids, Free Energy in Biology. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Water Properties?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Water Properties. To practise the whole of Biomolecules & Biochemistry, use the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz.
How is Water Properties different from Triglycerides?
Water Properties: A polar molecule that forms hydrogen bonds, giving cohesion, high specific heat and excellent solvent ability essential for life. Triglycerides: Fats formed from glycerol joined to three fatty acids, the main long-term energy store in animals. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Water Properties step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Triglycerides and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.