Multiple choice

If a plant cell is placed in deionised water, the water potential of that cell becomes

  1. more positive because the pressure potential becomes more positive

  2. more positive because the osmotic potential becomes more negative

  3. more negative because the pressure potential becomes more negative

  4. less negative because the pressure potential becomes more positive
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

When a plant cell is placed in deionised water, water enters by osmosis, increasing turgor pressure. The cell wall resists expansion, creating positive pressure potential. Osmotic potential becomes slightly more negative due to dilution. The net water potential becomes less negative because the positive pressure potential increase outweighs the osmotic change. This is the classic turgor pressure development in plant cells.

Keep practicing — related questions