Water

4.1

Water

Properties of water and its importance in a cell:

Properties	Descriptions and its importance
Polarity of water	Inorganic compound consisting of the hydrogen(H) and oxygen(O) elements. Polar molecules: shared electrons between oxygen (more electronegative). Produces hydrogen bonds and allows water to act as a universal solvent.
Cohesive force and adhesive force of water	Water molecules are attached to each other through a cohesive force. Water molecules attached to other surfaces through adhesive force. Both forces produce a the capillary action which allows water to enter and move along narrow spaces.Ex: xylem tube.
Specific heat capacity	Water has a high specific heat capacity of 4.2 kJ kg-1 °C-1 . 4.2 kJ of heat energy is required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by 1°C. Water absorbs a lot of heat energy with a small rise of temperature. Maintain body temperature of organisms.