The excess water collected in the form of droplets around special open...
The excess water collects in the form of droplets around special openings of veins near the tip of grass blades, and leaves of many herbaceous parts. Such water loss in its liquid phaseis known as guttation.
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The excess water collected in the form of droplets around special open...
Guttation
Guttation is the process by which excess water is removed from the plants in the form of droplets through the special openings of veins near the tip of leaves. This process is different from transpiration in which water is evaporated from the surface of leaves.
Causes of Guttation
Guttation occurs when the rate of absorption of water by the roots is higher than the rate of transpiration by the leaves. This can happen during the night or early morning when the humidity is high, and the temperature is low. At this time, the stomata on the leaves are closed, and the water cannot escape through transpiration. As a result, the excess water is pushed out of the plant through the hydathodes, which are specialized structures located at the tips of the veins.
Hydathodes
Hydathodes are specialized openings on the leaves of plants through which excess water is excreted in the form of droplets. They are found at the tips of the veins and are surrounded by specialized cells called epithelial cells. These cells are responsible for regulating the flow of water through the hydathodes.
Role of Guttation
Guttation helps the plants to get rid of excess water that can be harmful to the plant. If excess water is not removed, it can lead to the accumulation of salts and minerals in the plant, which can be toxic. Guttation also helps in the absorption of nutrients from the soil by creating a pressure gradient that draws in the nutrients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, guttation is an important process that helps plants to remove excess water from their system. It occurs when the rate of absorption of water by the roots is higher than the rate of transpiration by the leaves. The excess water is excreted through the hydathodes, which are specialized openings located at the tips of the veins. Guttation helps plants to get rid of excess water that can be harmful to the plant and helps in the absorption of nutrients from the soil.