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BIO NMDCAT Biological Importance of Water
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

The amphoteric nature of water, referring to its ability to act as both an acid and a base, is evidenced by its

A. High surface tension at room temperature
B. Capacity to autoionize into H₃O⁺ and OH⁻ ions
✓
C. Formation of a hexagonal lattice upon freezing
D. Ability to dissolve non-polar lipids effectively

📝 Explanation

In the autoionization reaction (2H₂O ⇌ H₃O⁺ + OH⁻), one water molecule acts as an acid (proton donor) to form OH⁻, and the other acts as a base (proton acceptor) to form H₃O⁺. This demonstrates its dual acid-base capability.

📖 Additional Information

  • High surface tension at room temperature
  • Capacity to autoionize into H₃O⁺ and OH⁻ ions
  • Formation of a hexagonal lattice upon freezing
  • Ability to dissolve non-polar lipids effectively

In the autoionization reaction (2H₂O ⇌ H₃O⁺ + OH⁻), one water molecule acts as an acid (proton donor) to form OH⁻, and the other acts as a base (proton acceptor) to form H₃O⁺. This demonstrates its dual acid-base capability.

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