The importance of water for life

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In summary, water is essential for life due to its properties as a solvent, heat moderator, and suspender of solids. This is important for organisms to manage heat within their structures and expel waste through processes like exocytosis and endocytosis. Water's ability to suspend solids, including hydrophobic substances, allows for the transportation of waste and nutrients. This is made possible by the presence of lipoproteins and the activity of the Golgi apparatus.
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curious_ocean
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Hi PF,
I'm teaching a college level introductory course about planet Earth and we are briefly discussing the importance of water for life. This is not covered in our textbook but I thought it was important to cover.

I found some good resources:
https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/uncate...les-of-water-why-is-water-necessary-for-life/
https://www.khanacademy.org/science...d-hydrogen-bonding/a/hs-water-and-life-review
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-nmbiology1/chapter/why-life-depends-on-water/

and I also found this in an online class about Oceanography:
"All life on Earth requires liquid water because water is a fantastic solvent; in fact, it is often called the universal solvent.

In addition, water has a phenomenal property of retaining heat and moderating temperature, so it is important for organisms to manage the heat within their structures.
Water also can suspend solids, so it can suspend wastes and nutrients and allow you to expel them from your cellular structure."

Can someone explain further what that last statement is about? Are wastes and nutrients necessarily solids? Is this a reference to the undissolved things that water can transport? (Hydrophobic substances vs. Hydrophilic?)

Thanks for your help!
 
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I assume is referring to exocytosis - the process of moving waste out of a vacuole through the cell membrane and out into the surrounding medium. Molecules that do not pass through cells easily are sometimes accompanied by lipoproteins, which expedite things. Golgi bodies are active in secretion as well.

Wastes are not always solids.

You probably have shown students Brownian motion, which is a kind of "suspension" -- if that is what you are asking.

exocytosis and endocytosis -- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4880020/
Golgi apparatus -- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9838/
 
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Thank you jim mcnamara! Is there are particular property of water that makes it special to be able to contribute to exocytosis/endocytosis?
 

FAQ: The importance of water for life

What is the role of water in sustaining life?

Water is essential for all living organisms on Earth. It serves as a solvent, allowing for chemical reactions to take place in cells. It also helps to regulate body temperature and transport nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.

How much of the human body is made up of water?

Approximately 60% of the human body is made up of water. This includes vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs, as well as muscles and bones. Even blood is mostly composed of water.

Why is access to clean water important for human health?

Clean water is crucial for maintaining good health. It helps to prevent dehydration, which can lead to a range of health issues. Additionally, access to clean water is necessary for proper hygiene and sanitation, which can prevent the spread of diseases.

How does water impact the environment?

Water plays a critical role in the environment. It helps to regulate the Earth's temperature and weather patterns, as well as supporting diverse ecosystems. Water also helps to maintain the balance of nutrients in soil and is a vital resource for agriculture and food production.

What are the potential consequences of water scarcity?

Water scarcity can have severe consequences for both humans and the environment. It can lead to droughts, famine, and displacement of communities. It can also cause damage to ecosystems and wildlife, as well as impacting industries such as agriculture and energy production.

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