Biological significance of water

   

Water is one of the most important of all the substances we ingest. Despite its importance, water rarely shows up in nutrition charts. In part, this is because it is supplied in so many different ways. Water undoubtedly is taken or drank to quench taste; both by lower class animals and human. However, scientific and biological research show that Water serves other very important purposes which are

beneficial to plants, animals and humans alike. Its functions among many others include;

Temperature – Stabilizing Effect: Humans and lower animals are made up of cells (a cell is the smallest, structural, functional unit of life). Cells consist mainly of water. A decline in the amount of water in the body of a human will result in a decrease of blood level and extracellular fluids. This decline causes the body temperature to rise because the heat normally produced by body cells is being absorbed by a smaller volume of water. A rise in body temperature can impair cellular function and can, if high enough, lead to death. This is one reason why doctors recommend individuals with fever to drink plenty of water.

  

Water as a reagent: Water is biologically significant as an essential metabolite, that is it participates in the chemical reactions of metabolism. In particular, it is used as a source of hydrogen in photosynthesis and is used in hydrolysis reactions. 

Support: In almost all organisms, water serve as support specifically for aquatic organisms.

Nutrients and toxic waste: Water helps individuals maintain normal concentrations of nutrients and toxic waste products in the blood and extracellular fluid. Insufficient water level will result in one’s urine becoming more concentrated as well as rise in concentration of chemicals in the blood. This increased concentration of chemicals in blood and urine further increases an individual’s chance of developing a kidney stone (deposits of materials such as calcium that blocks the outflow of urine, causing severe kidney damage).

The importance of water beyond quenching taste cannot be overemphasized. Doctors advice that every individual should drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. For a stable body state and a healthy life, develop the habit of drinking sufficient water; the result is rewarding!!!

Have a healthy day!