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3.1 explain why the concentration of water in cells should be maintained within a narrow range for optimal function
explain why the concentration of water in cells should be maintained within a narrow range for optimal function
- Water is the solvent for metabolic reactions in living cells. Many molecules and all ions important for the life of the cell are carried in an aqueous solution and these diffuse to reaction sites through the water in the cell.
- Metabolic reactions within the cell can occur only in solution where water is the solvent. It is critical for proper functioning of these reactions that the amount and concentration of water in the cell be kept constant. Most cells die when the water content is changed significantly.