Life Supporting Properties Of Water PDF

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Lecture notes by Dr. Afreen Naaz of Aligarh Muslim University....

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Life supporting properties of water Introduction: We live on a planet that is dominated by water. More than 70% of the Earth's surface is covered with this simple molecule. Scientists estimate that the hydrosphere contains about 1.36 billion cubic kilometers of this substance mostly in the form of a liquid (water) that occupies topographic depressions on the Earth. The second most common form of the water molecule on our planet is ice. If all our planet's ice melted, sea-level would rise by about 70 meters. Water is also essential for life. Water is the major constituent of almost all life forms. Most animals and plants contain more than 60% water by volume. Without water life would probably never have developed on our planet.

Structure of Water: This structure consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. The nature of the atomic structure of water causes its molecules to have unique electrochemical properties. The hydrogen side of the water molecule has a slight positive charge On the other side of the molecule a negative charge exists.

This molecular polarity causes water to be a powerful solvent and is responsible for its strong surface tension. Living organisms need water to survive. Many scientists even believe that if any extra-terrestrial exists, water must be present in their environments. All oxygen-dependent organisms need water to aid in the respiration process. Some organisms, such as fish, can only breathe in water. Other organisms require water to break down food molecules or generate energy during the respiration process. Water also helps many organisms regulate metabolism and dissolves compounds going into or out of the body. Water as a Metabolite The sum total of chemical reactions within an organism is called metabolism. Water is a metabolite, or a chemical involved in reactions. In this way, it is is necessary for the continued survival of both plants and animals. In plants, water aids in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into food. During the first stage of photosynthesis, water splits into hydrogen and oxygen atoms....