Question

How does water impact life processes?

Answer 1

Water is the most precious resource and universal solvent. The existence of life on earth is dependent on the water. Every vital life process such as, nutrition, photosynthesis, metabolism, respiration, excretion, reproduction is connected with water in all the existing life forms.

Complete answer:
The human weight is 60-75% water and even a loss of 4% of total body water can lead to dehydration. Water is a simple molecule made up of two positively charged hydrogen atoms and one negatively charged oxygen atom. The basic fundamental unit of life on earth is cells i.e., all living organisms on earth are made up from cells. Water plays an important role in the structural biology of these cells. Every cell contains some amount of water which maintains its shape and structure. Water exerts pressure on the wall or membrane of cells that opposes the external forces, thus maintaining cell shape. Water also has an impact on DNA and proteins. Water is involved in folding of amino acid chains that make up a protein.

The property of cohesion of water molecules helps plants to take up water at their roots. The process of photosynthesis which is responsible for production of sugars for all life forms and release of oxygen in the atmosphere is dependent on water. The photolysis of water in plant cells leads to the formation of oxygen. This oxygen is taken up by life forms and used in the process of respiration to produce energy. The excretion process also requires the presence of water. Water is also responsible for the regulation of body temperature in animals.

Note: There is direct involvement of water in several chemical reactions leading to either building or breakdown of important components in the cell. Water is directly or indirectly involved in different life processes.