Which are the two main components that determine water potential?

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Water Potential**: Water potential is defined as the measure of the potential energy of water in a system compared to pure water, under the same conditions of temperature and pressure. It indicates the direction of water movement and is influenced by various factors.

2. **Components of Water Potential**: The water potential of a solution is determined by two main components:
- **Solute Potential (Osmotic Potential)**: This component reflects the effect of solutes on the overall water potential. When solutes are added to water, they lower the water potential because they reduce the number of water molecules available to do work. The more solute particles present, the lower the solute potential.
- **Pressure Potential**: This component is related to the physical pressure exerted on the water within a cell or system. When water enters a cell, it can create turgor pressure against the cell wall, which increases the pressure potential. This pressure can counteract the effects of solute potential, affecting the overall water potential.

3. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the two main components that determine water potential are:
- Solute Potential (Osmotic Potential)
- Pressure Potential