Which of the following is an important function of water in biological systems?

• A. It acts as a universal solvent, facilitating chemical reactions.
• B. It directly produces ATP during cellular respiration.
• C. It provides structural support to cell walls.
• D. It stores genetic information.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of water in biological systems: Water is essential for life and has unique properties that make it vital for various biological processes.
2. Focus on the concept of 'universal solvent': Water's polarity allows it to dissolve a wide range of substances, facilitating chemical reactions by enabling reactants to interact in solution.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: Water does not directly produce ATP during cellular respiration; ATP is produced through processes like glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
4. Consider structural support: While water contributes to turgor pressure in plant cells, structural support to cell walls is primarily provided by cellulose, not water itself.
5. Evaluate genetic information storage: Genetic information is stored in DNA and RNA, not water. Therefore, the correct function of water in biological systems is its role as a universal solvent.