Water potential

Front

What is water potential?

Back

Water potential is the measure of the potential energy in water, influencing the direction of water movement. It is affected by solute concentration and pressure.

Front

What happens to solute potential as more solutes are added to a solution?

Back

Solute potential decreases as more solutes are added to a solution.

Front

Where does water move in relation to water potential?

Back

Water moves from areas of high water potential to areas of low water potential.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Front

What occurs to an animal cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

An animal cell placed in a hypertonic solution will shrink (get smaller) due to water moving out of the cell.

Front

What is the relationship between solute concentration and water potential?

Back

As solute concentration increases, water potential decreases.

Front

Define isotonic solution.

Back

An isotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

What is osmotic pressure?

Back

Osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane due to osmosis.

Front

Explain the term 'hypertonic'.

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, leading to water moving out of cells placed in it.

Front

What is the effect of a hypotonic solution on a cell?

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to move into the cell and potentially leading to swelling.