Solvent properties: Water is known as the universal solvent because it has the ability to dissolve a wide range of substances. This property is essential for biological processes as it allows for the transport of nutrients, gases, and waste products within organisms.

High heat capacity: Water has a high heat capacity, meaning it can absorb and store a large amount of heat energy without significantly changing in temperature. This property helps to regulate body temperature in organisms and stabilize the temperature of aquatic environments.

Cohesion and surface tension: Water molecules are attracted to each other through hydrogen bonding, resulting in cohesion and surface tension. Cohesion allows water to form droplets and be pulled up through the xylem vessels in plants. Surface tension allows certain organisms, like water striders, to walk on water.

Density properties: Water is unique in that it reaches its maximum density at 4 degrees Celsius. This property allows for the formation of ice, which is less dense than liquid water, and floats on the surface. This is important for the survival of aquatic organisms during winter as the ice layer acts as an insulating barrier.

Transparency: Water is transparent to visible light, allowing light to penetrate aquatic environments. This is crucial for photosynthesis in aquatic plants and algae, as well as for the survival of organisms that rely on vision for hunting or avoiding predators.

pH buffering capacity: Water has the ability to resist changes in pH, thanks to the presence of dissolved ions such as bicarbonate and carbonate. This property is important for maintaining the pH balance in biological systems, as even slight changes in pH can disrupt enzyme activity and other biochemical processes.

Adhesion: Water molecules can adhere to other polar surfaces, such as the walls of plant cells or the inner lining of blood vessels. This property allows for capillary action, which helps transport water and nutrients in plants and blood in animals.

Lubrication: Water acts as a lubricant in many biological systems, such as the synovial fluid in joints or the mucus lining in the respiratory and digestive tracts. This property reduces friction and allows for smooth movement and functioning of organs and tissues.

Chemical reactivity: Water can participate in chemical reactions, such as hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis. These reactions are essential for breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones for energy release or building complex molecules from simpler ones.

Biological medium: Water serves as the medium for many biological processes, including cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and digestion. It provides a stable environment for biochemical reactions to occur and facilitates the transport of molecules and ions within organisms.