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Multiple Choice
Which property of water is most important for its role as the universal solvent in living organisms?
A
High specific heat capacity
B
Cohesion and adhesion
C
Low density in solid form
D
Polarity
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that water is often referred to as the 'universal solvent' because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid.
Recognize that the property of water that makes it an excellent solvent is its polarity.
Water molecules are polar because they have a partial positive charge on one side (hydrogen atoms) and a partial negative charge on the other side (oxygen atom).
This polarity allows water molecules to surround and interact with various solutes, effectively breaking them apart and dissolving them.
In biological systems, this property is crucial as it allows water to transport nutrients, waste products, and other molecules within organisms.