| High surface tension isn't a result of a higher bp or lower volitility.
All three are related to the type of intermoleculat forces a liquid has. Hexane, for example, is a hydrocarbon compound that experiences weak london/van der walls intermolecular forces... so less intermolecular attraction means it can convert to gas phase with lower energy (more volatile, lower bp).
Water has stronger intermolecular interactions, hydrogen bonding, that bond the molecules together stronger... even though these are still transient, tempoary interactions. So water has a higher bp and lower volatility because of these stronger interactions.
Likewise, the stronger intermolecular forces give water greater surface tension.
Now the size of the molecule in question can also play a part in the physical properties, as bigger hydrocarbons still have only weak london forces, but the larger surface area means more interactions... so its not just the type of interaction alone that determines these properties.
And you can of course change the surface tension of water by introducing agents that interrupt the intermolecular bonding. I've heard (not seen) that you can dump a surface tension agent into a lake and see the swimming ducks suddenly sink. Surface tension modifiers are used in the printing industry, for example, where water based inks can foam press-side if theres not enough surface tension modifers.
As for biological processes, this is a pretty open question. Look at the cell membrane.... the integrity of the membrane is crucial to regulation of materials in and out of the cell. As we age it is believed that the materials that make up the membranes get oxidized, modified, and this can change the efficacy of the cellular barrier. Not a clue if the cell membreane integrity is considered surface tension, but seems close to me. | 
Linear Mode
