Identify correct statement with regard to thistle funnel experiment

Options

A. Water potential decreases in thistle funnel intially due to presence of sucrose
B. Water potential increases in the thistle funnel after osmosis
C. At equilibrium water potential gradient is Zero
D. All the above

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Thistle Funnel Experiment**:
- The Thistle Funnel experiment is designed to demonstrate the process of osmosis, which is the movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane.

2. **Components of the Experiment**:
- A thistle-shaped funnel is used, filled with a sucrose solution.
- The funnel is placed in a beaker containing pure water.
- A semi-permeable membrane, such as parchment paper, separates the sucrose solution from the water.

3. **Defining Key Concepts**:
- **Osmosis**: The movement of water from an area of higher water potential (more water, less solute) to an area of lower water potential (less water, more solute).
- **Water Potential**: The potential energy of water in a system, which influences the movement of water. It is affected by solute concentration.

4. **Analyzing Statements**:
- **Statement 1**: "Water potential decreases initially due to the presence of sucrose."
- This statement is correct because the presence of sucrose (a solute) reduces the water potential of the solution in the funnel.

- **Statement 2**: "Water potential increases in Thistle Funnel after osmosis."
- This statement is also correct. As water moves into the funnel, the concentration of sucrose decreases, thus increasing the water potential.

- **Statement 3**: "At equilibrium, water potential gradient is zero."
- This statement is correct as well. At equilibrium, the concentration of water is equal on both sides, resulting in no net movement of water.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since all the statements regarding the Thistle Funnel experiment are correct, the answer is "All of the above is correct."