Which property of water makes it essential for life?

The property of water that makes it essential for life is its ability to dissolve many substances. This characteristic is primarily due to the polar nature of water molecules. Water has a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other, allowing it to interact with various ions and polar molecules. This enables it to act as a solvent for a wide range of substances, including salts, sugars, acids, and gases, facilitating important biochemical reactions within organisms.

The fact that water can dissolve these substances is crucial for processes such as nutrient transport, waste removal, and chemical reactions in cells. For instance, nutrients dissolved in water can be easily absorbed by living organisms, and metabolic processes that produce waste can utilize water to help eliminate these waste products effectively.

While the other options present properties of water, they do not reflect its crucial role in supporting life. Its high density, while relevant in certain contexts (like in ice floating on water), does not directly contribute to the sustenance of life functions. The colorless appearance of water does not influence its biological utility, and its non-flammable nature is a fundamental trait but does not directly align with the requirements for facilitating life processes.