AP Biology Water Potential Problems

Water potential (ψ) is the potential energy of water in a system compared to pure water, measured in bars. It determines the direction of water movement.

Solute potential (ψs) is the component of water potential that is due to the presence of solute molecules. It is always negative or zero.

Pressure potential (ψp) is the physical pressure on a solution, which can be positive (turgor pressure in plant cells) or zero.

Water potential (ψ) is calculated using the formula: ψ = ψs + ψp.

Water will move out of the cell, causing it to shrink.

Water will move into the cell, causing it to swell.

The water potential is -2 bars (ψ = ψs + ψp = -4 + 2).

Water will move into the cell, as the cell has a higher water potential.

The solute potential is -12 bars.

Turgor pressure helps maintain cell structure and rigidity, allowing plants to stand upright.