Chemical Properties of Life

Life depends on chemical properties of matter, especially water and carbon-based

molecules. Water is polar, allowing hydrogen bonds, which give it cohesion

(water sticks to itself), adhesion (sticks to other surfaces), high specific heat

(resists temperature change), high heat of vaporization (cooling via evaporation), and excellent solvent

abilities. These properties stabilize temperature, allow nutrient transport, and support biochemical

reactions. pH measures hydrogen ion concentration on a logarithmic scale.

Enzymes function only within specific pH ranges, so organisms use buffers to resist

pH change by accepting or donating H⁺ ions. Carbon forms four covalent bonds, allowing complex