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

Define osmosis.

Back

Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What happens to a cell in an isotonic solution?

Back

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

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to move out of the cell, leading to cell shrinkage.

Front

What is a hypotonic solution?

Back

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

Front

Explain diffusion.

Back

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

Front

What is the role of aquaporins?

Back

Aquaporins are specialized channel proteins that facilitate the rapid transport of water across cell membranes.

Front

How does temperature affect water potential?

Back

As temperature increases, water potential typically increases due to increased kinetic energy, which enhances the movement of water molecules.

Front

What is turgor pressure?

Back

Turgor pressure is the pressure exerted by the fluid in the central vacuole against the cell wall, helping maintain cell structure and rigidity.

Front

Define solute potential.

Back

Solute potential is the measure of the effect of solute concentration on the overall water potential of a solution.