Answer: Solute concentration in it increases.
- A Solute concentration in it decreases
- B Applied pressure rises above atmospheric
- C Solute concentration in it increases
- D Temperature drops, regardless of solutes
Correct answer: C. Solute concentration in it increases
Explanation: Adding solutes lowers (makes more negative) the water potential of a solution, since solute particles reduce the free energy of water molecules available to do work.
Water can travel through cell walls (apoplast) or cell-to-cell through the cytoplasm (symplast) - but the Casparian strip at the endodermis blocks the apoplast route entirely, forcing everything through a selectively permeable membrane (symplast) before it can enter the xylem.
Concept context
Water and mineral absorption, the ascent of sap, transpiration, and phloem transport via the pressure flow hypothesis.