What does adhesion refer to in the context of molecular interactions?

Adhesion pertains to the attraction between different substances or diverse types of molecules, illustrating how they stick together. This phenomenon is vital in various biological processes, such as water adhering to the cell walls of plants, which aids in the movement of water through xylem tissues. The forces involved in adhesion can include hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and Van der Waals forces, contributing to the stability of these interactions.

In contrast, the other options refer to different types of molecular interactions. The first option describes cohesion, which is the attraction between similar molecules. The third option, concerning resistance to changes in pressure, relates more to the concept of viscosity and incompressibility in fluids rather than adhesion. Finally, while the formation of hydrogen bonds is significant in various contexts, it primarily relates to specific bonding interactions rather than the broader concept of adhesion across different substances.