Question

Identify the option that best describes the value of the terms given below.

i. Pressure potential
ii. Solute potential
iii. Water potential of pure water

• A. i-positive, ii-negative, iii. zero
• B. i-negative, ii-positive, iii-zero
• C. i-zero, ii-negative, iii-positive
• D. i-positive, ii-zero, iii-negative

Answer 1

The correct option is A i-positive, ii-negative, iii. zero

The positive pressure generated by the entry of water into a system due to osmosis is called pressure potential. Pressure potential is usually positive.

The reduction in the water potential because of the presence of solutes in it is called solute potential. Even though it is equivalent to the osmotic pressure, it has a negative value.

Water potential is a measure of kinetic energy of water molecules. It is the sum of the pressure potential and solute potential. Water potential is zero for pure water as it does not have any solutes.