Question

Water potential of a cell is lowered by the

• A. Addition of solutes
• B. Addition of water
• C. Increase in temperature
• D. Decrease in temperature

Answer 1

The correct option is A Addition of solutes

Water potential is the measure of the free energy of water which helps in the movement of water between any two systems. Water moves from the point where the water potential is greater to the point where the water potential is less. Addition of solutes decreases the water potential (becomes more negative). Temperature has no effect on water potential. The water potential of pure water is taken as zero.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Addition of solutes'.