How does water's properties interact to sustain life?

Water dissolves more substances than any other liquid even the strongest acid. Because of this, it is often called the 'universal solvent.' The dissolving power of water is very important for life on Earth. Wherever water goes, it carries dissolved chemicals, minerals, and nutrients that are used to support living things.

The hydrogen bonds in water make the molecules cohesive, which means they stick together really well. The cohesion of water is much stronger than most other liquids, and this is very important.

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