Question

water is essential for life. its special properties make water the single most important molecule in plant life. which of the following properties of water enables it to move from the roots to the leaves of plants?

• water expands as it freezes.
• water is an excellent solvent.
• water exhibits cohesive behavior.
• water is able to moderate temperature.

Explanation:

To determine the property of water enabling its movement from roots to leaves in plants, we analyze each option:

• "Water expands as it freezes" relates to ice formation, not water transport in plants.
• "Water is an excellent solvent" pertains to dissolving substances, not transport.
• "Water exhibits cohesive behavior" means water molecules stick together (cohesion) and to plant xylem walls (adhesion), creating a continuous column that moves upward via transpiration pull. This is key for water transport in plants.
• "Water is able to moderate temperature" relates to temperature regulation, not transport.

Answer:

C. Water exhibits cohesive behavior.