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