THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF WATER IN

THE HUMAN BODY

Human body is made up largely of water. It serves vital functions such as:
1. Cell life – water is essential for cells to function properly, it enters into the composition of the
cells.
2. Chemical metabolic reactions.
Water is involved in the biochemical breakdown of what we eat (proteins, lipids and
carbohydrates)
3. Transport of nutrients and removal of waste.
Water as a main constituent of blood contributes to the transport of nutrients to the cells. The
nutrients are transported by the blood. Water as a carrier, also helps removing waste products
through urine.
4. Body Temperature regulations.
Water has a large heat capacity which helps limit changes in the body temperature in a warm or
cold environment .It enables the body to release heat when ambient temperature is higher
than body temperature. Example when we begin to sweat, the evaporation of water from the
skin surface cools the body very efficiently.
 THE ROLES OF WATER IN PLANT LIFE
1. Water is needed as a medium of transport for fertilization process.
2. To keep root hairs and leaves in a stiff rigid condition.
3. Transporting minerals from the soil into roots.
4. To carry out metabolic activities of the plant cell.
5. Transporting food materials in plants (Translocation).
6. IN the opening and closing of the stomata (transpiration) for the exchange of oxygen and
carbon dioxide.
7. To carry out Photosynthesis.
8. for the cooling of the plant body.
9. To carry out the process of germination.