D2.3.11 Water potential and water movements in plant tissue (HL)

What happens to a plant cell when it becomes turgid?

A turgid cell is swollen and firm, with the plasma membrane pushed against the cell wall.

What drives the movement of water in plant tissues?

Water movement is driven by solute potential and pressure potential.

Define solute potential (ψs).

Solute potential (ψs) measures how solutes affect water's potential energy.

Define pressure potential (ψp).

Pressure potential (ψp) reflects the physical pressure exerted on water.

What happens to plant cells in a hypotonic solution?

Water moves into the cells by osmosis.

What is a hypotonic solution?

A solution with a lower solute concentration compared to another solution.

What is turgor pressure?

Turgor pressure is the pressure that builds up inside a plant cell as water fills the central vacuole, pushing the plasma membrane against the cell wall.

What is the result of water entering a plant cell in a hypotonic solution?

The cell becomes turgid and firm.

When does water movement stop in a hypotonic solution?

Water movement stops when the water potential inside the cell equals that of the surrounding solution.

What happens to plant cells in a hypertonic solution?

Water moves out of the cells.

What is a hypertonic solution?

A solution with a higher solute concentration compared to another solution.

What is plasmolysis?

Plasmolysis is the process where the central vacuole shrinks and the plasma membrane pulls away from the cell wall.

What is the result of water leaving a plant cell in a hypertonic solution?

The cell becomes flaccid and may eventually die if water loss is severe.

When does water movement stop in a hypertonic solution?

Water movement stops when the water potential inside the cell equals that of the surrounding solution.

Why is turgor pressure important for plants?

Turgor pressure keeps plants upright and provides structural support.

What is the relationship between water potential and root cells?

Root cells absorb water from the soil because their water potential is lower than that of the surrounding soil.

Why is understanding water potential and osmosis important?

It explains plant health, water uptake, and has real-world applications in agriculture.

What happens to a plant cell when it is plasmolyzed?

A plasmolyzed cell is shrunken, and the plasma membrane has detached from the cell wall.