Question

Guttation is found mostly in (a) Herbaceous plants (b) Shrubs (c) Wood plants (d) None of these

Short answer

The correct answer is (a) Herbaceous plants.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding of terms

Guttation is the exudation of drops of xylem sap on the tips or edges of leaves of some vascular plants. Herbaceous plants, Shrubs, Wood plants are different types of plants. Herbaceous plants have non-lignified tissues, shrubs are plants of relatively low height, and wood plants are typically trees or shrubs that have hard stems.

Comparing plant types

Herbaceous plants and shrubs have flexible, non-woody stems. Wood plants, which include most trees and shrubs, have lignified tissues which make it harder for guttation to occur as the hard tissues make it difficult for the plant to exude water in the form of droplets.

Identifying the correct option

Given the nature of the process of guttation and the physical characteristics of the types of plants, it can be inferred that guttation is most likely to occur in non-lignified or less-woody plants, i.e., herbaceous plants.

Key concepts

Xylem Sap Exudation

Xylem sap exudation is a process that occurs when the root pressure within certain plants becomes high enough to force liquid through the vascular system to the leaf margin or tip. This liquid, known as xylem sap, contains a blend of water, minerals, and hormones, and is crucial for the plant's nourishment. But what drives this upward motion? It can be attributed to the mechanisms of osmosis and water potential differences. During the night, when transpiration is low due to the closure of stomata, the accumulated water leads to root pressure, causing xylem sap to be pushed out from specific regions of the plant, such as leaf tips or edges.

This phenomenon, often observed as tiny water droplets on the edges of leaves in the morning, is distinct from dew, which is condensation from the atmosphere. For students preparing for competitive exams like NEET Biology, understanding this principle is a part of mastering plant physiology, a key subject in the syllabus.

Herbaceous Plants

Herbaceous plants are typically characterized by their green, soft, and non-woody stems. These plants usually have a fleshy structure that allows for more flexibility, which in turn supports processes such as guttation. Herbaceous plants are important for students to study, especially in the context of NEET Biology, because they exhibit a range of physiological phenomena clearly, due to their less complex structures compared to woody plants.

Herbaceous plants can range from small, low-lying species to larger flowering plants. Examples include vegetables, flowers, herbs, and even some types of grasses. Due to their less rigid structure, they exhibit guttation more prominently, making it an excellent example to study basic plant functions like water transport and exudation.

Plant Physiology

Plant physiology is a sub-discipline of botany concerned with the functioning of plants. Understanding how plants interact with their environment, manage energy processes, and transport water and nutrients is crucial for any biology student. Guttation is one of the many processes studied within this field, providing insight into the plant's water regulation mechanisms.

The study of plant physiology extends from the cellular to the whole-plant level. Key topics include phloem and xylem function, photosynthesis, respiration, and mineral nutrition. For students of NEET Biology, a strong grasp of plant physiology is essential for excelling in the botany section of the examination. A thorough understanding of these concepts enables students to analyze and predict plant behaviors under various environmental conditions.

NEET Biology

NEET, or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, is a prominent pre-medical entrance examination in India. Biology is a pivotal subject in NEET, accounting for half of the questions in the exam. For students aiming to excel in NEET, a deep understanding of plant physiology, including phenomena like guttation, is imperative.

Topics like xylem sap exudation and characteristics of herbaceous plants can appear as both direct questions or as part of larger conceptual queries. To effectively prepare, students must combine theoretical knowledge with problem-solving abilities. Addressing textbook exercises systematically, as shown in the explanation of guttation, enhances comprehension and instills confidence in handling various biological concepts during the exam.