1. Polarity: Water molecules are polar, meaning they have a slight positive charge at one end and a slight negative charge at the other end. This polarity allows them to dissolve and transport a wide range of substances, including inorganic ions, organic molecules, and even some gases.
2. Cohesion and Adhesion: Water molecules have strong cohesive forces, which means they tend to stick together. They also exhibit adhesion, allowing them to stick to the surfaces of plant and animal cells. These properties enable water to move upward against gravity through plant stems through a process called capillary action.
3. High Surface Tension: The high surface tension of water helps maintain the integrity of water columns in plants. This is particularly important for trees and other tall plants, where water must be transported over long distances. Surface tension prevents the water column from breaking under the force of gravity.
4. High Heat Capacity: Water has a high heat capacity, meaning it can absorb or release a large amount of heat without significant temperature changes. This property allows water to transport heat efficiently throughout the plant or animal body, helping regulate temperature.
5. Versatility: Water can exist in liquid, solid, and gaseous states under different environmental conditions. This versatility allows it to adapt to various physiological processes in plants and animals. For example, water vapor is essential for transpiration in plants, and liquid water is required for blood circulation in animals.
Overall, water's unique properties make it an ideal medium for transporting substances such as nutrients, hormones, waste products, and gases within living organisms.