How is surface tension significant in biological systems?

Surface tension is significant in biological systems primarily because it helps maintain the structure of cells. In a cellular context, surface tension influences how cell membranes interact with their environment and how they hold their shape. The cell membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer that exhibits surface tension properties, allowing it to act as a barrier while also permitting selective permeability. This balance is crucial for cellular integrity, as it helps cells resist changes in form and keeps their contents intact.

In addition, surface tension plays a role in processes such as the formation of alveoli in the lungs, where the surface tension facilitates the exchange of gases. In these cases, the properties of surface tension enable the lungs to expand and contract efficiently while minimizing energy expenditure.

The other options do not accurately reflect the role of surface tension in biological systems. For example, stating that surface tension has no effect in biological systems overlooks its critical functions, such as in cellular structure and lung function. The idea that it increases the boiling point of blood is misleading, as this is a characteristic of substances with strong intermolecular forces, but not specifically related to the biological significance of surface tension. Lastly, the notion that surface tension allows for blood to evaporate is inaccurate, as blood is a liquid that does not evaporate