When solute potential increases then water potential would

Options

A. Increase
B. Decrease
C. Remain same
D. First increase then decrease

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Water Potential**: Water potential (Ψ) is a measure of the potential energy of water in a system and is influenced by solute concentration and pressure. It is expressed in units of pressure (usually megapascals, MPa).

2. **Understanding Solute Potential**: Solute potential (Ψs) is the component of water potential that is due to the presence of solute molecules. It is always a negative value or zero (in pure water) because the addition of solute lowers the water potential.

3. **Relationship Between Water Potential and Solute Potential**: The relationship between water potential and solute potential can be expressed by the equation:
\[ Ψ = Ψs + Ψp \]
where Ψp is the pressure potential. In many biological contexts, pressure potential is constant or negligible, so we can focus on the relationship between water potential and solute potential.

4. **Effect of Increasing Solute Potential**: When solute potential increases (becomes less negative), it means that the concentration of solute in the solution is increasing. This leads to a decrease in water potential because water potential is inversely proportional to solute potential.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, if solute potential increases, the water potential will decrease.

**Final Answer**: When solute potential increases, water potential would decrease.

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