11 Biology By BISM Academy
4 – Water Potential
WATER POTENTIAL (Symbolized By Greek Letter)
Definition.
Water molecules possess kinetic energy which means that in liquid or gaseous form, they move about rapidly and randomly from one place to another. So, greater the concentration of the water molecules in a system the greater is the total kinetic energy of water molecules. This is called water potential Factors. In plant cells two factors determine water potential.
I. Solute concentration (Osmotic or solute potential =
II. Pressure generated when water enters and inflates plant cells ( Pressure potential Pure Water. Pure water has maximum water potential which by definition is zero.
Movement.
Water moves from a region of higher water potential of Solutions.
Osmosis can be defined as:
“The movement of water molecules from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential through a partially permeable membrane”. Osmotic (Solute) Potential= The osmotic (solute) potential is a measure of the change in water potential ( of a system due to the presence of solute molecules.