Why is water essential to living things?

A. Water is essential because it is an inorganic compound.
B. Water is essential because it contains hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
C. Water is essential to many of the chemical reactions that occur in the body.
D. Water is essential because, without it, people would have no fish to eat, and they could not get the protein that they need

Let's just eliminate some answers.

You know A can't be right because there are a number of "essential" inorganic compounds.
You know B can't be right--why do we need H2 and O2?
What about C?
D is ludicrous. I know people who live to be 100 and never at fish in their life. So what's wrong with C? You know it can't be A, B, D.

C because of what DrBob222 said

C. Water is essential to many of the chemical reactions that occur in the body.

The correct answer is C. Water is essential to many of the chemical reactions that occur in the body.

Explanation:
Water is crucial for various reasons in living organisms. Here's why:

1. Solvent: Water is an excellent solvent, meaning it can dissolve a wide variety of substances. Many vital substances in our bodies, such as sugars, salts, and minerals, need to be dissolved in water to be transported and used effectively.

2. Transport: Water is a major component of blood and other bodily fluids that transport nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. These fluids rely on water to carry out their functions efficiently.

3. Temperature regulation: Water has a high heat capacity, which means it can absorb and release heat without undergoing significant changes in temperature. This property helps regulate body temperature by absorbing excess heat during exercise or hot weather and releasing heat when the body is cold.

4. Lubrication and cushioning: Water acts as a lubricant in various biological processes, such as joint movements and digestion. It also provides cushioning and protection for delicate organs, like the brain and spinal cord, by surrounding them with fluid-filled compartments.

5. Chemical reactions: Water participates in numerous metabolic reactions, such as breaking down food molecules during digestion and facilitating the production of energy (cellular respiration). It provides a medium for these reactions to occur effectively and allows molecules to chemically interact with each other.

While options A and B mention the composition of water, they do not explain why it is essential in living organisms. Option D is incorrect because it oversimplifies the importance of water by focusing only on the food chain aspect. Option C provides a comprehensive explanation of why water is essential due to its involvement in chemical reactions within the body.