The concept of water potential is crucial in understanding how water moves through plant tissues. Water potential (\( \Psi \)) is a measure of the potential energy in water, particularly important in osmosis, which determines the direction and rate of water movement.
Water potential is influenced by the presence of solutes and pressure. It is defined mathematically as:
\( \Psi = \Psi_s + \Psi_p \)
Where:
Adding more solutes to a solution affects the solute potential (\( \Psi_s \)). Solute potential is always negative because solutes lower the potential of water. The addition of solutes makes the solute potential more negative, thus lowering the overall water potential (\( \Psi \)). This can be expressed as:
\( \Psi_s = - \text{number of solutes added} \)
Therefore, the correct answer is:
A bob of heavy mass \(m\) is suspended by a light string of length \(l\). The bob is given a horizontal velocity \(v_0\) as shown in figure. If the string gets slack at some point P making an angle \( \theta \) from the horizontal, the ratio of the speed \(v\) of the bob at point P to its initial speed \(v_0\) is :
Plants require water for their survival and growth. Water is taken up by plant roots from the soil and transported to the leaves through specialized tissues called xylem. In the leaves, water is used in the process of photosynthesis, where it is split into oxygen and hydrogen ions. The oxygen is released into the atmosphere, while the hydrogen ions are used to produce glucose and other organic compounds.
Plants also lose water through a process called transpiration, where water vapor is released from the leaves into the atmosphere. Transpiration is important for the plant's survival because it helps to cool the leaves and prevent them from overheating. However, excessive transpiration can lead to water stress, where the plant does not have enough water to meet its needs.
Plants have evolved a number of adaptations to cope with water stress. Some plants have deep roots that can access water deep in the soil, while others have leaves that are adapted to reduce water loss through transpiration. In addition, many plants can enter a state of dormancy during periods of drought, where they conserve water by reducing their metabolic activity.
Overall, the relationship between plants and water is a complex and dynamic one, and it plays a crucial role in the survival and growth of all plant species.