Question

Identify the correct statement with reference to the diagram given below: 
 

• A. Water moves from A to B
• B. Water moves from C to A
• C. B has the highest water potential
• D. C has the highest water potential

Hint:

Water always moves from higher water potential to lower water potential. More solutes reduce water potential, so the region with the least solute concentration has the highest water potential.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding Water Potential Water potential (\(\Psi_w\)) is the potential energy of water per unit volume relative to pure water, and it determines the direction of water movement. It is influenced by: 
- Solute concentration: Higher solute concentration lowers water potential. 
- Pressure potential: Physical pressure on water increases water potential. 

Step 2: Analyzing the Given Diagram - Cell A contains 10\% solute concentration.
- Cell B contains less solute than A, meaning higher water potential. 
- Cell C contains 15\% solute concentration, meaning lower water potential than both A and B. Since water moves from higher to lower water potential, and B has the lowest solute concentration, B has the highest water potential. 

Step 3: Identifying the Correct Answer - Option (1) Incorrect → Water moves from higher to lower potential, A does not have the highest potential. 
- Option (2) Incorrect → Water does not move from C to A, as C has the lowest water potential.
- Option (3) Correct → B has the highest water potential because it has the lowest solute concentration. 
- Option (4) Incorrect → C has the lowest water potential, not the highest.