Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

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Prepare for the AP Biology Exam with engaging quizzes. Test your knowledge with multiple-choice questions, complete with detailed explanations. Elevate your exam readiness!

Practice this question and more.

What is a major consequence of water's ability to form hydrogen bonds?

It helps water to evaporate quickly.
It allows for the high heat of vaporization.
It decreases water's boiling point.
It prevents ice from melting.

The correct answer is: It allows for the high heat of vaporization.

The ability of water to form hydrogen bonds is crucial for its high heat of vaporization. This property means that water molecules require a significant amount of energy to break the hydrogen bonds that hold them together before they can transition from the liquid phase to the vapor phase. This high heat of vaporization means water can absorb a lot of heat without experiencing a significant rise in temperature, making it an excellent coolant in biological systems and important for maintaining stable temperatures in environments like lakes and oceans. Additionally, this property plays a key role in processes like transpiration in plants, where water evaporates from leaf surfaces, helping to draw more water up from the roots.