Question

What are hydathodes?

Answer 1

Stomata are present on the lower side as well as the upper side of the leaf, young stem, and floral parts. Hydathodes are present on the margins of the leaf as a pore. It is a pore that ensures the vascular supply (vein) ends. Stomata are surrounded by a pair of specialized epidermal cells called Guard Cells. Hydathodes are commonly seen in water hyacinth, rose, balsam, and many other species.

Complete answer:
Hydathodes secrete water through a process known as guttation. Guttation takes place only under certain conditions like high relative humidity in the atmosphere and plants of water in the soil.

Hydathodes is the specialized structure that is mainly responsible for the secretion of water in liquid form. They are generally present on the apex or the margin of the leaf. Structurally, they consist of a small pore in the epidermal layer found at the tip. It is a pore that is surrounded by special parenchymatous tissue. It is called Epithem.

The cells are isodiametric in shape, loosely arranged, and enclose a lot of intercellular spaces. A unique feature of the xylem elements is that the veinlets terminate in this tissue. Similarly, some of the parenchymatous cells that surround the xylem elements ensure a characteristic. It exhibits structural features characteristic of transfer cells.

The cells contain a large number of finger-shaped processes originating from the cell wall. It is thus pushing the plasma membrane inwards into a similar pattern. These projections increase the surface area of the membranes considerably.

Note: Hydathodes are considered to be the pore-like structure that is present on the margins of the leaves. They show a common phenomenon and have a similarity with the stomatal transpiration and mutation. Hydathodes are water secreting tissues parent on the leaves. These are present in herbaceous plants. It acts as an opening for hydathodes which allow the guttation process to take place during high humidity.