Question

Minimum solute potential means
A. More negative solute potential
B. Minimum solute concentration
C. Maximum turgidity
D. Both B and C

Answer 1

Hint: Solute potential is the ability of a solution to take in water across a semipermeable membrane. And minimum solute potential means the ability to take in water when concentration of solute is minimum.

Complete answer:
In this question we have asked the meaning of minimum solute potential. As we already defined the solute potential. It is the tendency of water to move from one area to another due to osmosis, gravity, external pressure and matrix effects such as capillary action or in other word we can say pressure which needs to be applied to a solution to prevent the inward flow of water across a semipermeable membrane. As we know, when osmosis occurs water always moves from its high concentration to its low concentration or we can say water moves from low concentration of solute to high concentration of solute. That means water moves toward where there is more solute. Now, what is minimum solute potential? Minimum solute potential means we have a solution, in which the minimum quantity of solute is present. As there is minimum solute in this solution. So, minimum water comes in this solution through osmosis as we already mentioned that water flows toward more solute. So, minimum pressure is required to prevent the flow of water.
So, our first option is more negative solute potential, which is wrong because there it is minimum pressure not negative pressure. Next option is Minimum solute concentration, which is true as we already mentioned that to measure minimum solute potential, we require minimum concentration of solute in the solution. Option C is maximum turgidity. Turgid refers to cells or tissues that are swollen from water uptake. Many cell types in many different organisms can become turgid due to water uptake. Now, we have a solution with minimum solute concentration. So, what is in this solution? More solvent is present in the solution and our solvent is water. So, we have a lot of water in the solution and this water makes the cell turgid. As the concentration of solute increases, solvent decreases and turgidity decreases but we have a solution with minimum solute. So, we have maximum turgidity.

So, this option is also wrong and our answer will be, D - Both B and C.

Note: This question is a bit confusing as it includes terms like solution, solute and solvent.
Solution - A solution is a special type of homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances.
Solute - The solute is the substance that is being dissolved
Solvent -The solvent is the dissolving medium.