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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains how the cohesive and adhesive properties of water help sustain life on Earth?
A
Cohesion causes water to evaporate quickly, preventing plants from absorbing enough water.
B
Cohesion allows water molecules to stick together, enabling the transport of water in plants through capillary action, while adhesion helps water cling to cell walls, facilitating nutrient movement.
C
Adhesion makes water molecules repel each other, reducing the amount of water available to living organisms.
D
Both cohesion and adhesion decrease the surface tension of water, making it less effective as a solvent.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the key terms: Cohesion refers to the attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding, while adhesion refers to the attraction between water molecules and other surfaces.
Recognize the biological significance of cohesion: Cohesion allows water molecules to stick together, which is crucial for processes like capillary action, where water moves upward through narrow tubes (e.g., xylem in plants).
Recognize the biological significance of adhesion: Adhesion helps water molecules cling to the walls of plant cells or other surfaces, aiding in the upward movement of water and nutrients against gravity.
Combine the effects of cohesion and adhesion: Together, these properties enable water to travel from the roots to the leaves of plants, ensuring the transport of essential nutrients and maintaining hydration for photosynthesis and other life processes.
Eliminate incorrect options: Evaluate each provided statement and identify the correct explanation based on the roles of cohesion and adhesion in sustaining life on Earth.