Water potential of actively absorbing cells is

Options

A. Always `+ve`
B. Always `-ve`
C. Always 0
D. Always `gt 1`

Answer

To determine the water potential of actively absorbing cells, we need to understand the concept of water potential and its implications for cellular processes.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Water Potential**:
- Water potential (Ψ) is a measure of the potential energy in water and its ability to move from one area to another. It is influenced by solute concentration and pressure.
- Water potential is expressed in units of pressure (usually in megapascals, MPa).

2. **Pure Water Reference**:
- Pure water has the highest water potential, which is defined as zero (Ψ = 0). This serves as a reference point.

3. **Solute Potential**:
- When solutes are added to water, the water potential decreases. The presence of solutes lowers the water potential because it reduces the tendency of water to move.
- Therefore, any solution with solutes will have a water potential that is less than zero (Ψ < 0).

4. **Actively Absorbing Cells**:
- Actively absorbing cells, such as root cells in plants, take up water and nutrients from the soil. These cells typically contain various solutes (like ions and organic compounds) that contribute to a lower water potential.
- As a result, the water potential in these cells will be negative due to the presence of solutes.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since actively absorbing cells contain solutes, their water potential will always be less than zero. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the water potential of actively absorbing cells is always negative.

### Final Answer:
The water potential of actively absorbing cells is always negative (Option 2).

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