Water potential is a measure of the potential energy of water in a system, influencing the direction of water movement. It combines two main components: solute potential, which is the effect of dissolved substances, and pressure potential, which is the physical pressure on the water. Water moves from areas of higher water potential to areas of lower water potential. In plants, water potential plays a crucial role in processes like osmosis and transpiration. When water enters plant roots, it moves through the plant to leaves, helping maintain turgor pressure and supporting overall plant health. Understanding water potential is essential for studying plant physiology and ecology.