What is meant by adhesion in the context of water’s properties?

Adhesion in the context of water's properties refers specifically to the attraction between water molecules and different substances. This property allows water to climb up surfaces, such as the walls of plant vessels, through a process known as capillarity, which is crucial for the transport of water and nutrients in plants. This molecular interaction occurs due to the polar nature of water molecules, which can form hydrogen bonds with other polar or charged substances.

The ability of water to adhere to different surfaces plays a significant role in various biological processes, including the way water moves through the xylem in plants and how it interacts with cellular structures. Water's adhesive properties also contribute to phenomena such as meniscus formation in glass containers. Understanding adhesion helps in grasping how water interacts with other materials in biological systems and the environment, which is essential for studying ecology, physiology, and cellular functions.