If the solute concentration is increased inside the cell

Options

A. The `Psi_(s)` is lowered, and thus the `Psi_(w)` is increased
B. The `Psi_(s)` is increased, and thus the `Psi_(w)`is decreased
C. The `Psi_(s)` is lowered, and thus the `Psi_(w)`is decreased
D. The `Psi_(s)` is increased, and thus the `Psi_(w)` is increased

Answer

To solve the question regarding the effects of increased solute concentration inside a cell, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Water Potential (Ψw)**:
- Water potential (Ψw) is the measure of the potential energy of water in a system. It determines the direction of water movement and is influenced by solute concentration and pressure.
- The formula for water potential is given by:
\[ Ψw = Ψs + Ψp \]
where Ψs is the solute potential and Ψp is the pressure potential.

2. **Understanding Solute Potential (Ψs)**:
- Solute potential (Ψs) is the potential of water to move by osmosis due to the presence of solute. When solute concentration increases, Ψs decreases because more solute particles bind with water molecules, reducing the number of free water molecules.

3. **Effect of Increased Solute Concentration**:
- When the solute concentration inside the cell increases, the solute potential (Ψs) will increase (become more negative).
- As Ψs increases (becomes more negative), the overall water potential (Ψw) will decrease because it is the sum of Ψs and Ψp.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, if the solute concentration is increased inside the cell, the solute potential (Ψs) increases, leading to a decrease in water potential (Ψw).
- The correct answer to the question is: **"psi s is increased and thus the psi w is decreased."**

### Final Answer:
The correct option is: **Second option: Ψs is increased and thus Ψw is decreased.**

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