Water potential gradient decides

Options

A. Direction of osmosis
B. Concentration of solute
C. Rate of movement of water
D. 1 and 3

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding Water Potential Gradient**: Water potential is a measure of the potential energy in water, which influences the movement of water in plants. It is affected by solute concentration and pressure.

2. **Direction of Osmosis**: Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration (higher water potential) to an area of higher solute concentration (lower water potential). The water potential gradient determines this direction.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option 1: Direction of Osmosis**: This is correct because the water potential gradient dictates the direction in which water will move.
- **Option 2: Concentration of Solute**: While solute concentration affects water potential, it does not directly determine the water potential gradient itself.
- **Option 3: Rate of Movement of Water**: The rate can be influenced by the gradient, but it is not solely determined by it.
- **Option 4: One and Three**: Since only the direction of osmosis is directly determined by the water potential gradient, this option is not entirely correct.

4. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is that the water potential gradient primarily decides the direction of osmosis (Option 1).

**Final Answer**: Option 1 - Direction of osmosis.

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