Water as the Medium for Life

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Questions and Answers

What is believed to be the location where the first cells evolved?

In the Earth's crust

In the atmosphere, near the stratosphere

On land, in a dry environment

In the deep oceans, close to hydrothermal vents (correct)

What is the primary reason why water is essential for life processes?

It is a solid at room temperature, allowing it to provide structure

It is a gas at room temperature, allowing it to facilitate gas exchange

It is a universal solvent, allowing it to dissolve all substances

It is a polar molecule, allowing it to dissolve many substances (correct)

What is the significance of searching for water on other planets and moons in the search for life?

It suggests that the planet or moon has a highly reactive atmosphere

It suggests that the planet or moon has a solid crust

It suggests that the planet or moon has a possibility of supporting life (correct)

It suggests that the planet or moon is habitable for humans

What is the result of chemical reactions occurring within the membrane-bound structure of the first cells?

The evolution of cells Signup and view all the answers

Why do most life processes occur in water?

Because water allows dissolved molecules to move around and collide with each other Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why solutes dissolve in water?

Because water molecules can surround individual solute particles Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a high specific heat capacity in water?

A stable temperature despite changes in energy input Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C?

Specific heat capacity Signup and view all the answers

Why does water have a high boiling point?

Due to its high latent heat of vaporisation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of transferring heat around the body?

Mass transport Signup and view all the answers

Why is water essential for maintaining a stable body temperature?

Because of its high specific heat capacity Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of water's high latent heat of vaporisation?

A large amount of energy is required to change its state Signup and view all the answers

Why does water play a vital role in the biosphere?

Because it exists in all three physical states Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the movement of water through the xylem of plants and blood vessels in animals?

Mass transport Signup and view all the answers

Why is cohesion between water molecules important?

It enables mass transport in plants and animals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Early Life and Water

Hydrothermal vents are a popular candidate for the origin of life.
Water is essential due to its ability to act as a solvent, facilitating chemical reactions.
Searching for water on other planets and moons is a high priority because it strongly suggests the potential for life.
Membranes in the first cells allowed for the separation of internal and external environments and the creation of energy.

Water and Life Processes

Life processes primarily occur in water due to its ability to dissolve a wide array of substances, enabling chemical reactions to occur.
Water's polarity leads to its capacity to dissolve polar solutes like salts and sugars.
High specific heat capacity means that water requires a large amount of energy to change temperature, maintaining stable temperatures within organisms.
Specific heat capacity refers to the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C.
Hydrogen bonds between water molecules lead to a high boiling point, preventing it from easily evaporating.
Convection is the process of transferring heat around the body using water.
Water helps regulate body temperature by absorbing excess heat and releasing it when needed.
High latent heat of vaporisation means a large amount of energy is needed to change liquid water into water vapor, playing a significant role in cooling processes.
Water is critical for the biosphere, facilitating nutrient transport and providing a suitable environment for organisms.
Transpiration is the movement of water through plant xylem and animal blood vessels.
Cohesion between water molecules, due to hydrogen bonding, allows for efficient transport of water and nutrient transport.

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Description

Explore the role of water in the evolution of life on Earth. From the deep oceans to membrane-bound structures, discover how water's properties facilitated the emergence of life. Learn about the chemical reactions and collisions that led to the evolution of cells.