Polarity is crucial for living things because it gives water, which is essential for life, the unique properties it needs.
The Vital Role of Polarity in Water
Virtually all living things on Earth require liquid water. The importance of polarity to living things stems from its effect on water molecules. Water exists as a liquid over a wide range of temperatures, a property that is essential for life as we know it. Furthermore, water is a powerful solvent, dissolving many substances, which is critical for transporting nutrients and waste within organisms.
These vital properties of water directly depend on its polarity. The polarity of water molecules causes them to “stick” together through hydrogen bonds, a phenomenon that contributes to water's unique characteristics, including its liquid state over a broad temperature range and its ability to dissolve a wide variety of substances.
Living organisms, such as humans, are largely composed of water. The human body is about 70 per cent water (outside of fat), highlighting the absolute necessity for water with these specific properties, properties directly enabled by water's polarity.
In summary, polarity is important to living things because it:
- Enables water to exist as a liquid over a wide temperature range.
- Allows water to dissolve many substances, crucial for biological processes.
- Causes water molecules to “stick” together, influencing its physical properties.
These characteristics of water, born from its polarity, are fundamental to the existence and functioning of virtually all life on Earth.
