# Explain how the properties of water are important during the chemical reactions that occur inside living cells.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.1.7 Water · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Water is a solvent / water dissolves substances
2. So reactants / metabolites can move freely / are transported to the site of reactions
3. Water is a reactant in / takes part in chemical reactions such as digestion / hydrolysis
4. Water has a high heat capacity / can absorb a lot of heat energy with little change in temperature
5. So the temperature inside the cell remains relatively stable / enzymes are not denatured / enzyme-controlled reactions can continue

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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