Question

Water has many unusual properties, but one of these is most relevant to its significance as the basis of life as we know it. Which is?

a) High specific heat
b) Low density as a solid
c) High surface tension
d) High heat of vaporization
e) Universal solvent properties

Answer 1

The most relevant property of water to its significance as the basis of life is its role as a universal solvent due to its polar nature and hydrogen bonding, which facilitates biochemical processes essential for life.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most relevant property of water to its significance as the basis of life is its ability to act as a universal solvent. This is due to water's polar nature and the formation of hydrogen bonds, which allows it to dissolve a wide range of substances. This property is essential for various biochemical reactions and processes that occur in organisms' cells. Water's role as a solvent facilitates the transport of ions and nutrients, and is involved in the regulation of many life-maintaining reactions.

Furthermore, water's high heat capacity and surface tension are also significant for life. The high specific heat of water allows it to stabilize temperature in the environment and within living organisms, which is crucial for homeostasis. The high surface tension of water is essential for processes such as the transport of water in plants.

Thus, while all the properties listed are important, the role of water as a universal solvent is most central to its ability to support life.