Water Potential and Osmosis in Celery

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding water potential, osmosis, and the experimental procedures related to the effects of sucrose solutions on celery tissue.

What happens to water potential if pressure potential increases?

Water potential increases.

Define osmosis.

Movement of water molecules from high water concentration to low water concentration across a cell membrane.

What is a hypertonic solution?

A solution with higher solute concentration compared to another solution.

What characterizes hypotonic solutions?

Lower solute concentration compared to another solution.

What does isotonic solution mean in terms of water potential?

Equal concentration of solutes on both sides of the membrane.

How is water potential calculated?

Water potential = pressure potential + solute potential.

What effect does higher water potential outside the cell have on the cell?

Water enters the cell by osmosis, increasing turgor pressure.

What is turgor pressure critical for?

It is critical for maintaining plant structure and preventing wilting.

What is the dependent variable in the celery water potential experiment?

The percentage change in length of the celery tissue.

What precautions are taken to minimize error during the experiment?

Covering petri dishes to avoid evaporation and ensuring equal immersion of celery pieces.

What are the outcomes when celery is placed in a hypotonic solution?

Cell length and mass increase; the tissue becomes turgid.

Describe the outcome when celery is placed in a hypertonic solution.

Cell length and mass decrease; the tissue becomes flaccid.

What does no significant change in length or mass indicate about the solution's water potential?

The solution has the same water potential as the celery cells, indicating an isotonic state.