Question

In woody plants and many fruits, transpiration takes place from:

• A. Stomata
• B. Lenticel
• C. Leaf
• D. Epidermis

Hint:

Lenticular transpiration occurs through lenticels, which are non-regulated pores in the bark of woody plants and the skin of some fruits that allow water vapor to escape.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Transpiration is the loss of water vapor from the aerial parts of a plant.
It occurs primarily through stomata on leaves, but can also take place through other structures depending on the plant's anatomy and developmental stage.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us examine the pathways of transpiration:
1. Stomatal Transpiration: This is the primary pathway in herbaceous plants and leaves, accounting for over 90% of total water loss.
2. Cuticular Transpiration: This is the loss of water vapor directly through the waxy cuticle layer covering the epidermis of leaves and young stems.
3. Lenticular Transpiration: In woody plants, the corky bark of older stems and roots contains specialized pores called lenticels.
These pores consist of loosely arranged cells with large intercellular spaces that allow for gas exchange between internal tissues and the atmosphere.
Because these pores remain open continuously (unlike stomata, which can close), water vapor can escape through them.
This pathway is also found in many fruits with corky or textured skins (such as apples and pears).
While lenticular transpiration accounts for only a small percentage of total water loss, it is the primary pathway in woody tissues and many mature fruits.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, transpiration in woody plants and many fruits occurs primarily through lenticels.