Describe the intramecular and intermolecular forces of water molecules. How do these forces relate to their importance in biology? Describe the intramecular and intermolecular forces of water molecules. How do these forces relate to their importance in biology? Solution If two atoms share electrons, in order to have a completely filled outer shell then the bond formed between the two atoms is called, covalent bond. Covalent bond is the strongest of all the chemical bonds. In a covalent bond, if the electrons are not shared equally, then it induces partial charge on each atom, such a type of bond is called, “polar covalent bond.” For example, in water molecule, the two hydrogen atoms share electrons with the more electrophilic oxygen atom. So, the electron pair spend most of the time towards the nucleus of the oxygen atom than the hydrogen nucleus. Thus, the intramolecular bonds in water molecules are covalent bonds. And the intermolecular bonds are hydrogen bonds. Water properties and the biological importance of water: 1). Due of the presence of hydrogen bonds and strong intermolecular forces, water has high specific heat index. Specific heat capacity of water is defined as; the amount of heat (energy in joules) required for raise of temperature of water per unit mass by 10C. Our body temperature is maintained higher than the surrounding temperature. The heat of vaporization of the water is higher (40.65 kJ/mol), this is due to the hydrogen bonds that connect water molecules. So, due to the temperature difference, water escapes out and carry the body heat (the specific heat capacity of the water is 5 times more than the sand). So, during the process of vaporization of water, water releases heat into the environment and cool the body. 2). Because of the hydrogen bonding, water exhibits high surface tension. So, water molecules on the surface are more strongly attracted to each other than to the air above. This is necessary for the functioning of alveoli. The layer of moisture over the alveoli is necessary for the gaseous exchange. 3). Due to the polar nature of water, water can dissolve inorganic salts that dissociate into ions in the presence of water (like dissolves like). So, the blood can carry many of the water soluble substances throughout the body. Water cannot dissolve nonpolar substances; they are dissolved in non-polar solvents. 4). Plasma contains approximately 91% of water; this maintains the viscosity of the blood..