A1.1. Water

Subject: Biology | Author: Michel Onfray

About this Topic Book

Welcome to our first topic in the "Unity and Diversity" theme. Before you dive into the chapter, let's think about a simple question: when scientists search for life on other planets, what is the one substance they are always looking for?

The answer is water.

It might seem like the most common, ordinary substance on Earth, but water is anything but ordinary. Its unique properties are the foundation for life as we know it. In this chapter, we are going to explore the secrets hidden within a single water molecule. You will discover how its simple structure gives it incredible abilities—like the power to climb to the top of the world's tallest trees, to support life on its very surface, and to create a stable environment for every chemical reaction in your body.

As we move through this material, you will learn to see water not just as something you drink, but as the master molecule that makes all of biology possible.

Let's begin our exploration of A1.1 Water: The Molecule of Life.

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Table of Contents

  • SL/HL Introduction: A Cosmic Present
  • SL/HL Water is the Essential Medium for Life
  • SL/HL The Blueprint of a Water Molecule
  • SL/HL Hydrogen Bonds: The Secret to Water's Power
  • SL/HL Why Does Ice Float on Water?
  • SL/HL Cohesion (Sticking Together) of Water Molecules
  • SL/HL Adhesion (Sticking to Other Things)
  • SL/HL How Do Trees Defy Gravity to Transport Water?
  • SL/HL The Universal Solvent
  • SL/HL Physical Properties for a Stable & Supportive Habitat
  • HL The Cosmic Journey of Water
  • HL The "Goldilocks Zone" and the Search for Life