Adhesion
Definition
Adhesion is the tendency of different molecules to cling to one another. In biology, it often refers to water's ability to stick to other substances due to hydrogen bonding.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Adhesion helps water transport nutrients in plants by allowing water to stick to the walls of xylem vessels.
- It is a result of hydrogen bonding between water molecules and other types of molecules.
- Adhesion is crucial for capillary action, which allows water to move against gravity in narrow spaces.
- In addition to cohesion, adhesion contributes significantly to surface tension in liquids.
- Adhesive properties of water are essential for many biological processes, including cellular respiration and nutrient absorption.
Review Questions
- How does adhesion contribute to the movement of water in plants?
- What type of bonding is responsible for adhesion?
- Why is adhesion important for biological processes such as nutrient absorption?
"Adhesion" appears in:
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Related terms
Cohesion: The attraction between molecules of the same substance, particularly important among water molecules.
Capillary Action: The ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces like gravity.
Surface Tension: A measure of how difficult it is to break the surface of a liquid; influenced by cohesion and adhesion.
