Water’s polarity, resulting from polar covalent bonds and partial charges, leads to hydrogen

bond formation, giving it high cohesion and adhesion. Its high specific heat capacity buffers

temperature changes, crucial for stable environments. Water’s solvent properties allow it to

dissolve polar and ionic substances, facilitating metabolic reactions and transport. Its

density and buoyancy provide support for aquatic organisms.

Challenges include: higher viscosity compared to air, requiring adaptations for efficient

movement; lower oxygen diffusion rates, necessitating specialized gas exchange structures;

and higher thermal conductivity, leading to rapid heat loss. Opportunities include: buoyancy,

providing support; solvent properties, facilitating nutrient uptake; and thermal stability,

reducing temperature fluctuations.

Hydrogen bonds, the strongest intermolecular force, are crucial for water’s properties,

protein folding, and DNA structure. Van der Waals forces, weaker attractions, contribute to

membrane stability and protein-ligand interactions. Ionic interactions, between charged ions,

are essential for enzyme activity and cellular signaling. These forces collectively determine

macromolecule structure and function.

Hydrogen bonds, the strongest intermolecular force, are crucial for water’s properties,

protein folding, and DNA structure. Van der Waals forces, weaker attractions, contribute to

membrane stability and protein-ligand interactions. Ionic interactions, between charged ions,

are essential for enzyme activity and cellular signaling. These forces collectively determine

macromolecule structure and function.

Gas exchange in the alveoli relies on surface tension to maintain alveolar structure and

facilitate gas diffusion across the air-liquid interface. Capillary action, driven by adhesion

and cohesion, is essential for water transport in plants and blood vessels. Enzyme activity

often occurs at membrane surfaces, where substrates can be concentrated and reactions

can be catalyzed.

Solubility differences dictate the transport and storage of molecules. Hydrophilic

substances, like glucose, are easily transported in blood, while hydrophobic substances, like

lipids, require specialized carriers. Membrane structure relies on the amphipathic nature ofphospholipids, with hydrophobic tails forming the membrane interior and hydrophilic heads

interacting with water.