Which of the following is a result of water's cohesive property in biological systems?

• A. Formation of surface tension that allows small insects to walk on water
• B. Capillary action that enables water to move up plant stems
• C. Water's ability to dissolve a wide range of solutes
• D. Water's high specific heat capacity

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of water's cohesive property: Cohesion refers to the attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding. This property allows water molecules to stick together.
2. Analyze the biological implications of cohesion: Cohesion contributes to phenomena such as surface tension, where water molecules at the surface are pulled together, creating a 'film' that can support small objects or organisms.
3. Evaluate the options provided: Formation of surface tension is directly related to cohesion, as it results from the strong hydrogen bonds between water molecules.
4. Consider capillary action: While capillary action involves cohesion, it also requires adhesion (the attraction between water molecules and other surfaces). Cohesion alone does not fully explain capillary action.
5. Eliminate unrelated options: Water's ability to dissolve solutes and its high specific heat capacity are properties of water, but they are not directly caused by cohesion. Focus on the options that are directly tied to cohesion.