# Explain why water is important for living organisms. Include reference to its properties as a solvent and its role in chemical reactions.

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

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Water is a solvent
2. Many substances dissolve in water, allowing them to be transported around the organism
3. Water is a reactant in chemical reactions such as digestion / hydrolysis
4. Water is a reactant in photosynthesis
5. Water has a relatively high specific heat capacity / large amount of energy needed to change its temperature, which helps maintain a stable body temperature / temperature regulation

## Key terms

- [solvent](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/solvent)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-water-is-important-for-3fa424d5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.