A Levels Biology (9700)•9700/12/O/N/19

Explanation
Osmosis at Equilibrium Steps:
- The potato's unchanged size indicates no net water gain or loss after 30 minutes.
- This occurs when the external sucrose solution is isotonic to the potato cells.
- Water potential must be equal between the potato and solution for equilibrium.
- At equal water potential, water diffuses in both directions with no net movement.
Why D is correct:
- Water potential equality drives no net osmosis, per the principle that water moves from high to low potential until equilibrium.
Why the others are wrong:
- A: Water concentration equality is imprecise; water potential governs osmosis, and diffusion continues bidirectionally.
- B: Focuses on water concentration, not potential; omits no net outflow.
- C: Ignores bidirectional diffusion; net movement is zero, not absolute absence into the potato.
Final answer: D
Topic: Movement into and out of cells
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