Here's why:
* Solubility: Gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide are more soluble in water than in lipids (the main component of cell membranes).
* Fluid Medium: Water acts as a fluid medium within and around cells, allowing for the movement of dissolved gases.
* Facilitated Diffusion: While not directly involved in the movement of gases themselves, water helps maintain the structure and fluidity of the cell membrane, which is crucial for facilitated diffusion, where specific proteins help transport gases across the membrane.
While other inorganic substances may play roles within the cell, water is the primary facilitator for gas diffusion through the cell membrane.
