Water's polarity allows it to form hydrogen bonds, giving it important properties for cellular transport. Hydrogen bonding gives water cohesion, adhesion, and a high heat capacity, maintaining homeostasis. The cell membrane is selectively permeable like a screen, allowing passive diffusion of some substances but requiring active transport powered by ATP for others. Active transport pumps like sodium-potassium pumps and endocytosis/exocytosis move substances against gradients.