A solvent in biology is a substance, typically a liquid, that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution. The most common solvent in biological systems is water, which is often referred to as the ‘universal solvent’ due to its ability to dissolve many substances.
In biological contexts, solvents play a crucial role because they facilitate various chemical reactions necessary for life. For instance, in cells, water helps transport nutrients and waste products, maintains cell turgor, and participates in biochemical reactions. Because of its polar nature, water can effectively interact with and dissolve ionic compounds and polar molecules, making it essential for processes such as cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and metabolic pathways.