Question

What does water loss in the form of a liquid called?

Answer 1

• Guttation is a process that occurs in plants where there is a water loss through hydathodes.
• Hydathodes are specialized glands located at the tips of leaves or stems that help in the expulsion of water.
• Guttation primarily happens during the night or early morning when there is high relative humidity and high soil moisture content.
• During these periods, transpiration rates are lower compared to the daytime, when plants are actively growing and water is evaporating.
• However, the roots are still absorbing water, leading to a buildup of root pressure inside the plant.
• The pressure created by water absorption forces the sap out through the hydathodes.
• This expelled mixture consists of water, carbohydrates, water-soluble minerals, and other soluble substances moving through the plant.
• As the sun comes out and the water evaporates, a white, crusty deposit is often left behind on the leaf or stem surface.

In summary: Guttation occurs due to excess root pressure in conditions of high humidity and soil moisture, leading to water loss through hydathodes. The expelled sap leaves behind a residue as the water evaporates.