What is the Difference Between Guttation and Transpiration?

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Transpiration and guttation are two processes through which plants release excess water. However, they have some key differences:

  1. Process: Transpiration occurs through stomata and lenticels, while guttation takes place through hydathodes.
  2. Water Loss: In transpiration, water is lost as water vapor, whereas in guttation, water is lost as liquid water.
  3. Timing: Transpiration occurs during the day, while guttation occurs during early morning or at night.
  4. Temperature: Transpiration takes place at high temperatures, while guttation occurs at low temperatures.
  5. Conditions: Dry conditions favor transpiration, while guttation is resisted by dry conditions.
  6. Water Content: The water lost in guttation is rich in minerals, while the transpired water is pure.
  7. Control: Transpiration is a controlled and regulated phenomenon, while guttation is an uncontrolled process.

In summary, transpiration is the loss of water as water vapor through stomata and lenticels, typically occurring during the day and favored by dry conditions. In contrast, guttation is the loss of water as liquid droplets through hydathodes, mainly occurring at night or early morning and is influenced by low temperatures.

Comparative Table: Guttation vs Transpiration

Here is a table comparing the differences between guttation and transpiration:

Feature Guttation Transpiration
Occurrence Nighttime Daylight
Water Form Liquid Vapors
Lost through Hydathodes Stomata
Water Quality Rich in minerals Pure
Regulation Uncontrolled Controlled
Location Leaf tips, margins Stomata, cuticle, lenticels
Temperature Low High
Humidity High Dry conditions favor it
Influenced by - Environmental factors (e.g., wind, humidity)
Plant Types Limited to some plants like grasses, Colocasia, tomato, etc. Universal in plants

Guttation occurs primarily through hydathodes and takes place at night or during early morning when the atmosphere humidity is high. It involves the loss of water as liquid droplets and is not a controlled process. Transpiration, on the other hand, occurs through stomata, cuticle, and lenticels during the day and is a controlled process.