Which property of water is primarily responsible for its capability to act as a medium for the various biochemical reactions necessary for life?

A. Viscosity

B. Surface tension

C. Solvent properties

D. Thermal conductivity

The significance of water's polarity in the formation of hydrogen bonds is best illustrated by its:

A. Ability to dissolve ionic compounds

B. High specific heat capacity

C. Cohesive and adhesive properties

D. Role in enzymatic reactions

How does the molecular structure of water contribute to its high surface tension?

A. Ionic bonding between water molecules

B. Covalent bonding within water molecules

C. Hydrogen bonding between water molecules

D. Van der Waals interactions between water molecules

In the context of metabolic reactions, water's role as a solvent is crucial for:

A. Facilitating the correct orientation of substrates and enzymes

B. Providing the energy required for reactions

C. Forming covalent bonds with substrates

D. Acting as a catalyst to speed up reactions

Which physical property of water is most significant for buoyancy experienced by aquatic organisms?

A. Viscosity

B. Surface tension

C. Density

D. Thermal conductivity

a) Explain the significance of water's polarity in relation to its role as a universal solvent. [3]

b) Discuss how water's high specific heat capacity is beneficial to aquatic life. [2]

a) Describe the process of hydrogen bonding between water molecules and its impact on water's properties. [4]

b) Contrast the properties of water with the properties of air in the context of an organism's adaptation to its environment. [3]

a) Analyse the role of water in metabolic reactions, specifically in hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis. [4]

b) Hypothesise why the search for extraterrestrial life often focuses on the search for water. [2]

a) Elucidate the phenomenon of cohesion and adhesion in water. How do these properties facilitate the process of transpiration in plants? [4]

b) Water has a high latent heat of vaporisation. Explain the biological significance of this property, particularly in thermoregulation. [3]

c) Discuss the implications of water's solid state (ice) being less dense than its liquid state for aquatic ecosystems. [3]

a) Describe the molecular structure of water and how this structure gives rise to hydrogen bonding. [3]

b) Explain how water's role as a solvent is vital to biological processes, particularly in relation to hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances. [4]

c) Hypothesise on the role of water in the search for extraterrestrial life, considering its unique properties. [3]