Guttation: Definition, Hydathodes and Mechanism

Guttation is a process by which plants release excess water from leaves as droplets. A specialized organ known as a hydathode is used for this process so that plants can maintain optimum water balance. In this article, we will read about the demonstration, its mechanism, and demonstration, the role of hydathodes in guttation, the composition of water released during guttation, the difference between guttation and transpiration, and the importance of guttation.

What is Guttation?

Guttation is a process that occurs in the case of vascular plants, in which excess water is removed from the leaf tips. Pores similar to stomata called hydathodes are present on the leaf tips that aid in this process. It occurs during the night when all the water is retained within the plant and gets excreted out due to high root pressure. It looks similar to transpiration, but the major difference lies in the fact that transpiration occurs during the daytime through stomata.

Mechanism of Guttation

When humidity is high and the soil is flooded with rainwater, the root of a plant absorbs excess water. Due to the absorption of excess water, pressure develops in the roots, which forces the water upwards. This inflow of water generates pressure within the plant’s xylem vessels, which leads to the release of liquid through specialised leaf structures called hydathodes. Guttation primarily occurs during the night. This mechanism enables plants to maintain internal water balance.

Demonstration of Guttation

Guttation can be demonstrated via a simple experiment. Let us understand in detail.

• Requirements: A potted plant of garden Tomato, Bell jar, water, Aspirator
• Procedure: Water the potted plant profusely. Then cover it with a bell jar and keep it in a cool damp place. Connect the setup to an aspirator and make it airtight.
• Observation: After a few hours, water starts to exude from the tips of the leaves. the drops become larger and then finally fall off the leaf. This happens due to the phenomenon of guttation. Hydathodes that are present on the tips of leaves release excess water inside the plant due to excessive watering.

Role of Hydathodes in Guttation

Hydathodes release water from the pores of the margin of leaves. Hydathodes are also known as water stomata. The process by which water is released from pores is known as guttation. The water released during guttation consists of a dilute liquid of mineral salts. The liquid contains both organic and inorganic substances. The hydathode is made up of epithelial cells and has multiple intercellular spaces that are filled with water.

Composition of Water Released due to Guttation

The water released during guttation comprises a solution derived from the plant’s internal vascular system. This solution contains water, minerals, and various organic compounds. The process of guttation involves the upward movement of water from the plant’s roots through its xylem vessels. Then specialized structures known as hydathodes, which are located at leaf margins, release water droplets. These droplets contain dissolved minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

These minerals are essential for various physiological functions in the plant. Guttation serves as a means for the plant to regulate its water balance, releasing excess water and dissolved substances that have collected during periods of high root pressure, particularly during the night.

Guttation vs Transpiration

The following points show the difference between guttation and transpiration:

Guttation	Transpiration
Guttation occurs during the night.	Transpiration occurs during the daytime.
Specialized structures known as hydathodes help in the process of guttation.	Stomata help in transpiration.
Water is lost in the form of liquid droplets.	Water is lost in the form of vapors.
Influenced by factors such as root pressure, and humidity .	Influenced by factors such as sunlight, temperature and humidity.

Importance of Guttation

The importance of guttation in plants is as follows:

• Guttation allows plants to remove excess water stored due to high root pressure by leaf margins.
• Guttation happens at night and this prevents the risk of overhydration and damage to plant cells.
• Guttation helps in the regulation of internal pressure within the plant’s vascular system.
• Plants release water from hydathodes and ensure a balanced environment for cellular processes.

Conclusion – Guttation

Guttation is an important process in the life of plants. It contributes significantly to the overall health and functioning of a plant. It is a plant’s way of maintaining water balance. Humans excrete excess fluids to avoid internal imbalances, plants release water through hydathodes to prevent overhydration and potential cellular damage. Guttation becomes more important during the night when the plant continues to absorb water from the soil. It leads to increased root pressure.

Hydathodes are situated at the leaf margins and help in the process of guttation. The composition of the guttation fluid contains essential minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium. It includes organic compounds as well. These components play important roles in the plant’s nutrition, energy storage and growth.

FAQs on Guttation

What is the Difference between Guttation and Transpiration?

Guttation is the loss of water in the form of water droplets from small pores. It mainly happens at night. Whereas transpiration is the release of water vapour through stomata in the daytime.

What is Another name for Guttation?

Another name of Guttation is bleeding in plants. Guttation is a process by which plants release excess water.

Which Liquid is formed during Guttation?

The water released during guttation consists of a dilute liquid of mineral salts. The liquid contains both organic and inorganic substances.

Does Guttation occur in all Plants?

Guttation happens in plants which have a vascular system. Plants having vascular systems are wheat, barley, grass, strawberries and tomatoes.

Does Temperature affect Guttation?

Yes, temperature affects guttation. It occurs in low-temperature conditions and that’s why guttation happens at night or early morning.