Osmosis and Water Potential (Updated)

Why do plants near roadsides or coastal areas sometimes die after being exposed to salt?

• Salt makes the soil too cold for plants to grow.

• Salt prevents plants from absorbing enough water.

• Salt makes the plant leaves turn yellow.

• Salt attracts insects that eat the plants.

What is the definition of osmosis?

• The movement of solute molecules across a membrane.

• The movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane.

• The process where cells create energy.

• The movement of large molecules that requires energy.

In a U-tube separated by a semi-permeable membrane, if salt is added to Side B, which direction will water initially move?

• From Side B to Side A.

• From Side A to Side B.

• Water will not move in either direction.

• Water will move equally in both directions.

What happens to red blood cells when they are placed in pure water?

• They shrink.

• They remain the same size.

• They swell and may burst.

• They change color.

Why would a saltwater fish struggle to survive in a freshwater tank?

• Its cells would shrink due to water loss.

• Its cells would swell and potentially burst from too much water.

• It would not be able to find enough food.

• The temperature of the water would be too cold.

How do plant roots absorb water from the soil?

• The soil has a higher solute concentration than the root cells.

• The root hair cells have a higher solute concentration than the soil.

• Water is actively pumped into the root cells.

• The plant uses sunlight to pull water into its roots.

What happens to the water potential of a solution when more solute is added?

• It increases.

• It decreases.

• It stays the same.

• It becomes zero.