My life as a water molecule in human body - Term Paper Example

My Life as Water Molecule in Human Body Introduction: I played the role of cradle for life on this planet Earth and therefore, it is not surprising that I form more than two third of human body. I am a molecule of oxygen and hydrogen in 1:2 ratio by atoms. I have amazing properties to support and sustain life. Due to my life supporting properties, I am regarded elixir of life by many. I serve many useful purposes in human body like acting as a medium for essential biochemical reactions providing energy for our requirements, regulates body temperature, supports ionic communication through the neural network, acts as solvent for all the harmful byproducts of biochemical reactions and brings them out through urine, sweat etc.

In the subsequent sections I will briefly discuss some of the important functions of mine in human body.Important Functions of mine in Human body(A) Regulation of Body TemperatureRegulation of human body temperature is very essential as rate of biochemical reaction is very sensitive to the temperature and if the temperature is not regulated properly it is fatal to human life. Fortunately, I have high specific heat (~ 1 cal / gm) and latent heat of vaporization (~ 536 cal/gm) and this helps me in regulating human body temperature by sweating out in case the external temperature is very high.

However, sweating leads to my loss (dehydration) and this may be fatal to an individual; therefore, one must ensure that he / she is maintaining sufficient intake of mine. When you are facing heat, just take me inside.(B) Medium for Biochemical Reactions:There are many biochemical reactions required to sustain life in any living organism including human body. I act as a medium for almost all of these reactions. I play a very important role in all these reactions due to my ability to dissolve the ions and molecules relevant to biochemical reactions.

Some important reactions are digestion of food, storage of energy in the form of ADP and ATP molecules etc. and all these reactions cannot be accomplished without myself acting as the medium of the reaction.(C) Communication through Neural NetworksIn human body communication between a body parts to the brain is through electrical signals involving Na and K ions and these ions are dissolved in water. If I am not there these ions cannot exist and therefore, no signaling will be possible. Thus, it is me which facilitates communication system of human body.(D) Solvent for Harmful MoleculesIn the course of biochemical reactions inside human body, many harmful chemicals like urea etc.

are produced. These chemicals need to be removed for the safety of life. I dissolve these harmful chemicals and brings them out through urine or sweat and thus I helps in cleansing of human body as well.Conclusions:Based on the discussions in the preceding sections it can be said that my life in human body is very hard as it has to serve many functions. However, it is very interesting as interactions with different kinds of molecules is involved and over and above very satisfying experience as ultimately it is serving humanity.