Water potential is the sum of opposing forces of

Options

A. Osmotic pressure and diffusion potential deficit
B. Solute potential and osmotic potential
C. Solute potential and pressure potential
D. Diffusion pressure dificit and turgor pressure

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Water Potential**:
- Water potential is a measure of the potential energy in water and its ability to move from one area to another. It is influenced by various factors, including solute concentration and pressure.

2. **Components of Water Potential**:
- Water potential (Ψ) is defined as the sum of two main components:
- **Solute Potential (Ψs)**: This is the effect of solutes on the overall water potential. The presence of solutes decreases the water potential because solutes attract water molecules, making it less free to move.
- **Pressure Potential (Ψp)**: This is the physical pressure exerted by the fluid in the plant cells. It can increase the water potential by pushing water into areas of lower pressure.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A**: Osmotic pressure and diffusion pressure deficit - These terms are related but do not directly define water potential.
- **Option B**: Solute potential and osmotic potential - Osmotic potential is essentially another term for solute potential, but this option does not include pressure potential.
- **Option C**: Solute potential and pressure potential - This correctly identifies the two components that make up water potential.
- **Option D**: Diffusion pressure deficit and turgor - While these are important concepts in plant physiology, they do not directly sum up to water potential.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the definitions and analysis of the options, the correct answer is **Option C: Solute potential and pressure potential**.