Question

Why are organisms made primarily of water?

1) Because water is essential for cellular processes
2) Because water provides structural support
3) Because water helps regulate body temperature
4) Because water is a universal solvent

Answer 1

Water is required by all living things because it is critical for cellular processes, provides structural support, helps regulate body temperature, and acts as a universal solvent. Organisms are primarily made of water for these reasons.

Step-by-step explanation:

Water is required by all living things because it is critical for cellular processes. Since terrestrial organisms lose water to the environment by simple diffusion, they have evolved many adaptations to retain water. Each cell in a living organism is made up of almost 75% water, which allows the cell to function normally. Most of the chemical reactions that occur in life involve substances that are dissolved in water, making it a universal solvent. Water also helps regulate body temperature due to its high specific heat capacity. Therefore, organisms are primarily made of water because it is essential for cellular processes, provides structural support, helps regulate body temperature, and acts as a universal solvent.