The value for Ψ in root tissue was found to be -3.3 bars. If you place the root tissue in a 0.1 M solution of sucrose at 20°C in an open beaker, what is the Ψ of the solution, and in which direction would the net flow of water be?

1. Solute potential= -2.43 bars

2. Solution to root tissue

Explanation:

The solute potential is the potential or concentration gradient exerted by the solute in a solution.

The mathematical expression of the solute potential is

= -iRCT, where i= ionization of molecule

                         C- concentration of a molecule

                         R - pressure constant (0.0831)

                         T-  Temperature (kelvin)

According to the given question,

i=1 ( sucrose is non-polar)

R= 0.0831

T= 273+ 20= 293

C= 0.1

Putting the values in -iRCT

we will have solute potential = -2.43 bars (high water potential)

Since the potential in root tissue is -3.3 bars. (low water potential)

We know that water moves from high water potential to low water potential and the water will move from the solution to the root tissue that is from -2.43 bars to -3.3 bars