Question

Guttation is caused due to (a) Imbibitions (b) Osmosis (c) Positive root pressure (d) Transpiration

Short answer

Guttation is caused due to positive root pressure (option c)

Step-by-step solution

Understanding key terms

First, make sure you understand each of the following key terms involved in this problem: Imbibition is any uptaking of water by plant tissues and cells. Osmosis is the diffusion of water through a semi-permeable membrane from a less concentrated solution to a more concentrated solution. Positive root pressure is a pressure developed in the roots of plants due to active mineral ion absorption and water uptake producing a force that helps push water up from roots to stems and leaves. Transpiration is the loss of water from the plant through its leaves.

Understanding guttation

Next, understand that guttation is the exudation of drops of xylem sap on the tips or edges of leaves of some vascular plants. Guttation is not caused by transpiration (water loss through leaves) or imbibition (water uptake by plant tissues). Instead, it is mainly due to root pressure.

Identify the correct option

From the above knowledge, it can be inferred that guttation is caused by positive root pressure (option c). Therefore, choose option c as the answer.

Checking your answer

You can cross-check your answer from various credible sources and textbooks. It is well documented that guttation is the result of positive root pressure, and not osmosis, imbibition or transpiration.

Key concepts

Positive Root Pressure

Positive root pressure is a fascinating phenomenon in plant physiology, where water is pushed up from the roots to the aerial parts of the plant due to a pressure difference. It's essential to understand that this process is an active one, meaning that the plant expends energy to perform it. The roots actively absorb mineral ions from the soil, which causes water to flow into the roots due to osmosis. As more water enters, the pressure within the root xylem increases, creating what we refer to as 'positive root pressure'.

This root pressure is responsible for causing guttation – the exudation of water droplets on the leaves of plants, particularly noticeable in the early morning. It's a clear indicator that plants are not passive entities but have dynamic systems to maintain fluid balance. This concept is especially important for students preparing for competitive exams like NEET Biology, where understanding these subtle physiological processes can make a significant difference in their performance.

Plant Physiology

Plant physiology is an extensive branch of botany that explores how plants function and interact with their environment. In the context of guttation, we delve deep into the inner workings of a plant to understand how it manages water and nutrient transport. Guttation beautifully demonstrates the active transport mechanisms and water regulation strategies within plants. The process isn't just about aesthetics; it offers insights into how plants deal with water pressure and nutrient distribution amid varying environmental conditions.

To observe guttation, one must look at the edges or tips of a plant's leaves, where tiny droplets form. These droplets can be misled for dew, but unlike dew, guttation droplets are pushed out from the inside of the leaf. Understanding such physiological processes is foundational for biology students, and is particularly emphasized in courses and exams related to NEET Biology. These concepts help illustrate the complexity and adaptability of plant life, further echoing the importance of plants in our ecosystem.

NEET Biology

NEET Biology is a critical part of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), an entrance examination for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical courses in India. The biology section encompasses a vast array of topics, including plant physiology, human biology, ecology, and genetics, among others. Understanding core concepts like guttation and positive root pressure becomes imperative to tackle the questions this exam poses.

For NEET aspirants, mastering the concept of guttation is not just about memorizing the fact that it is caused by positive root pressure. Instead, it is about comprehending the underlying principles of water transport and regulation in plants. This deeper understanding will enable students to apply these principles to related topics, creating a comprehensive knowledge base that NEET aims to assess. Focusing on the integration of concepts in plant physiology can thus significantly enhance a student's ability to excel in the biology portion of the NEET exam.