Question

If the OP of any osmotic system is 35 units and its turgor pressure 9 units. Find out water potential present in the osmotic system.

• A. -44 units
• B. -26 units
• C. 26 units
• D. -3.88 units

Answer 1

The correct option is B -26 units

The water potential of a solution is the algebraic sum of osmotic potential and pressure potential.
ψw = ψs + ψp

The osmotic potential is equal to the magnitude of osmotic pressure. It has a negative sign. The pressure potential has a positive sign and it is equal in magnitude to the turgor pressure.

Given:
OP = 35 units $\Rightarrow$ ψs = -35 units

Turgor Pressure (TP) = 9 units $\Rightarrow$ ψp = 9 units

Therefore, ψw = ψs + ψp = (-35+9) = -26 units.
So, water potential present in the osmotic system is -26 units.