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Water is a molecular compound with the scientific name of H20, which indicates water is composed of 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom. Water is a necessary substance for life, and it plays several major roles on Earth.
Solvent
Water is a solvent, meaning it has the ability to dissolve other compounds. Water is a solvent necessary for many chemical reactions and carries dissolved compounds in and out of cells.
Temperature Buffer
Water is a temperature buffer because it takes a large amount of energy in order to increase or decrease the temperature of water.
Metabolite
Water is a metabolite because it is a substance needed in metabolism--chemical reactions that occur in cells. Some examples of chemical reactions are photosynthesis, aerobic respiration, and digestion.
Living
All living organisms require water in order to survive. Humans, for instance, can live no more than approximately three days without water.
Composition
Water is an important part of the composition of living organisms. The human body is made up of 55 to 78 percent water.
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