Which property of water allows it to act as a temperature buffer for living cells?
Correct answer: B. Its high specific heat capacity
- A. Its low surface tension
- B. Its high specific heat capacity
- C. Its low density in the liquid state
- D. Its inability to form hydrogen bonds
Explanation
Water has an unusually high specific heat capacity because a large amount of energy is absorbed breaking hydrogen bonds before the temperature rises. A cell can therefore take in or lose considerable heat with only a small change in internal temperature, which protects enzymes from denaturation. Surface tension in water is high, not low, and water is denser as a liquid than as ice, so the other options invert real properties.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Biological Importance of Water
Water supports life through its polarity, hydrogen bonding and ability to dissolve ionic and polar substances. Its high specific heat, heat of vaporization, cohesion, adhesion and incompressibility help regulate temperature, transport materials and maintain structure, while hydrolysis and osmosis depend directly on water.
Practise Biological Molecules
1,790 free Biological Molecules MCQs from Biology, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Biology questions like this
Biology is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.