Which of the following terms describes forcing of water out of the plant at the edges of its leaves ?

Options

A. Water stress
B. Root pressure
C. Guttation
D. Transpiration

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the term that describes the process of forcing water out of the plant at the edges of its leaves.

2. **Analyzing the Options**: The options provided are:
- Water stress
- Root pressure
- Guttation
- Transpiration

3. **Defining Each Term**:
- **Water Stress**: This refers to a condition where there is insufficient water available to meet the needs of the plant. It does not describe the process of water being forced out.
- **Root Pressure**: This is the pressure exerted by the roots of the plant that can push water upward through the plant, but it is not the term that describes the actual process of water being expelled from the leaves.
- **Guttation**: This is the process where water is secreted from the tips or edges of leaves. It occurs when root pressure is high, and it is a specific term for the expulsion of water.
- **Transpiration**: This refers to the process of water vapor loss from the aerial parts of the plant, primarily through stomata. It does not describe the expulsion of liquid water.

4. **Identifying the Correct Answer**: Based on the definitions, the term that specifically describes the forcing of water out of the plant at the edges of its leaves is **Guttation**.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is **Guttation**.

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