![]() Water movement through the gastrointestinal wall has great significance, not only for the delivery of ingested fluids but also for the digestion of other nutrients and as a defense from pathogens. The high specific heat of water, in relation to other substances, makes it capable of absorbing or losing heat without a large temperature change, thus protecting living cells from massive temperature changes that could cause cell impairment or even death. It is also a master of weak intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, necessary for the protein binding in their substrates, and hydrophobic reactions, necessary for protein structure. 1 It is an excellent solvent for ions, required for nerve signaling, enzyme activity, mineralization of organic compounds, and the properties of DNA. Water has many properties that seem indispensable for the functioning of cells. Although some alternative theories have been suggested for the generation of life in nonaqueous environments, virtually all known living systems depend on water for survival. ![]() Life on earth has evolved as a consequence of the presence of water. ![]()
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