Which of the following statements is correct regarding the biological properties of water?

• A. Water is a nonpolar molecule, making it an excellent solvent for lipids.
• B. Water's density decreases as it freezes, causing ice to sink.
• C. Water has a low surface tension, which prevents capillary action in plants.
• D. Water's high heat capacity allows it to stabilize temperature in living organisms.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of polarity: Water is a polar molecule due to its bent shape and the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen atoms. This polarity makes water an excellent solvent for ionic and polar substances, not nonpolar substances like lipids.
2. Explore the density of water: As water freezes, it forms a crystalline structure that is less dense than liquid water, causing ice to float rather than sink.
3. Examine surface tension: Water has a high surface tension due to hydrogen bonding between water molecules. This high surface tension allows for capillary action, which is crucial for the movement of water in plants.
4. Learn about heat capacity: Water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it can absorb a lot of heat without a significant change in temperature. This property helps stabilize temperatures in living organisms, making it essential for maintaining homeostasis.
5. Review the correct statement: The statement 'Water's high heat capacity allows it to stabilize temperature in living organisms' is correct because it highlights water's role in temperature regulation due to its high specific heat capacity.