Role of Water in the Origin of Life

Role of Water in the Origin of Life:

Following unique features of water make it the most suitable medium for the origin of life-

• Water remains in liquid form between 4°C-90°C and life also sustains this range of temperature.

• Water is a stable compound and does not decompose easily. Hence it forms a suitable medium for chemical reactions.

• Water is a good solvent for most of the substances that occur in living organisms.

• Several chemicals become reactive only when dissolved in water.

• Water is the source of molecular oxygen and hydrogen ions in living cells.

• Because of its high latent heat, water does not allow quick changes in the body temperature of organisms. It, thus, protects organisms from thermal shocks.

Water expands on freezing and becomes lighter, floating as a sheet of ice on water.

Floating ice does not allow the underneath water to get frozen. In this way it protects the deep lying plants and animals from low temperature.