Question

Explain water potential and the factors that affect it.

Answer 1

Hint: Translocation is defined as the movement of nutrients from leaves to the other parts of the plant. Translocation is carried out by phloem in the form of energy sources by using energy.
Transpiration is described as a process in which water comes out from the leaves. The plants release a lot of water into the environment through stomata.

Complete step by step answer: The water potential is described as the tendency of water to move from one part to different parts of the plant body. The movement of water can take place during several cellular processes such as osmosis, diffusion, and other processes.
The water potential is denoted by the Greek letter Psi or \[\psi \]. It is expressed in pascals (Pa).
The water potential of pure water is zero always at standard temperature and pressure.
The water potential is expressed in an equation as a sum of solute potential and pressure potential. The equation of water potential is given below:
${\psi _w} = {\psi _s} + {\psi _p}$
In this equation, ${\psi _w}$ is known as water potential, ${\psi _s}$ is known as solute potential, and ${\psi _p}$ is represented as pressure potential.
There are two conditions of water potential and are described below:
The water potential of pure water decreases when some solute is dissolved in water. This is known as a solute potential that is always negative. Therefore, for a solution at atmospheric pressure, the water potential is equal to the solute potential.
The water potential of pure water increases when pressure values are more than the atmospheric pressure. This is known as pressure potential and is always positive.

Note: The water potential is important for the movement of water in plants. This is because it causes water to flow in the roots. The water potential is greater in the soil as compared to the roots. It also leads to transpiration and osmosis, and therefore, the plant cells remain turgid. This is the reason the plant becomes stiff and upright.