What is the Difference Between Lenticels and Hydathodes?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Lenticels and hydathodes are both plant adaptations that act as pores, but they serve different functions. Here are the key differences between lenticels and hydathodes:

  • Function: Lenticels facilitate the exchange of gases, while hydathodes assist in the removal of excess water from the plant through a process called guttation.
  • Location: Lenticels are found in the bark and roots of dicot plants, while hydathodes are located on the leaf margins of angiosperms.
  • Structure: Lenticels are lens-shaped openings or large intercellular spaces in the periderm, bark of woody stems, and roots of dicot plants. Hydathodes are pores filled with water and consist of living cells with numerous intercellular spaces.
  • Plant Types: Lenticels are found in plants such as cherries and sweet potatoes, while hydathodes are commonly observed in plants like lettuce, spinach, roses, and impatiens.

In summary, lenticels and hydathodes are plant adaptations that help regulate gas exchange and water balance in plants, but they serve different functions and are found in different plant parts and types.

Comparative Table: Lenticels vs Hydathodes

Here is a table comparing the differences between lenticels and hydathodes:

Feature Lenticels Hydathodes
Definition Lenticels are intercellular spaces that facilitate the exchange of gases. Hydathodes are pores filled with water that assist in the removal of excess water.
Function Exchanges gases and water vapor. Exudes water droplets.
Location Found in the bark and roots of dicots. Located on the leaf margins of angiosperms.
Plant Species Examples: Cherries, sweet potatoes, apples, and pears. Examples: Lettuce, spinach, roses, and impatiens.

In summary, lenticels are intercellular spaces that facilitate the exchange of gases, while hydathodes are pores filled with water that help in the removal of excess water from the plant.