Question:

In metabolically active cells, the osmotic pressure is equal to

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Osmotic pressure (\(\pi\)) and solute potential (\(\psi_s\)) are two sides of the same coin. They represent the exact same solute concentration effect, but osmotic pressure is expressed as a positive value (\(\pi\)), while solute potential is expressed as a negative value (\(\psi_s = -\pi\)).
  • Pressure potential
  • Solute potential
  • Matric potential
  • Water potential
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The water relations of a plant cell are governed by its water potential components, which determine the direction and rate of water movement.
The primary equation describing this is:
\[ \psi_w = \psi_s + \psi_p + \psi_m \]
where \(\psi_w\) is water potential, \(\psi_s\) is solute potential, \(\psi_p\) is pressure potential, and \(\psi_m\) is matric potential.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze the relationship between osmotic pressure and solute potential:
Osmotic Pressure (\(\pi\)): This is a colligative property of a solution defined as the hydrostatic pressure required to prevent the inward flow of pure solvent (water) across a semipermeable membrane into the solution.
It is always expressed as a positive value because it represents an applied physical force.
Solute Potential (\(\psi_s\)): Also known as osmotic potential, this is a thermodynamic parameter that measures the reduction in water potential caused by the dissolution of solute molecules.
By definition, adding solutes always lowers the free energy of water, making the solute potential negative.
In any solution or cell sap, the magnitude of the osmotic pressure (\(\pi\)) is exactly equal to the magnitude of the solute potential (\(\psi_s\)), but with the opposite sign:
\[ \psi_s = -\pi \]
Therefore, in metabolically active cells, the osmotic pressure is thermodynamically equivalent to the solute potential.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The osmotic pressure is equal in magnitude to the solute potential, which corresponds to option (B).
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