Which property of water is crucial for the transport of nutrients in living organisms?

The solvent properties of water are essential for the transport of nutrients in living organisms because water is known as a "universal solvent." This means that many substances, including salts, sugars, acids, and gases, can dissolve in water due to its polar nature. The polarity of water molecules allows them to interact with various solutes, breaking them down into their constituent ions or molecules.

In the context of biological systems, when nutrients are dissolved in water, they can be easily transported within the body. For example, in animals, blood, which is primarily composed of water, transports essential nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, and vitamins to cells throughout the organism. In plants, water plays a similar role by facilitating the movement of nutrients from the soil through the roots and into the vascular system.

Additionally, the ability of water to dissolve these nutrients not only aids in their transport but also plays a significant role in their availability for metabolic processes, supporting life activities such as respiration and cellular function. This characteristic of water is fundamental to the survival and health of living organisms, as efficient nutrient transport is vital for maintaining cellular processes.