Dew cells are microscopic plant cells that contain a clear liquid. This liquid is released through pores in the cell wall when the relative humidity is high, and it evaporates into the atmosphere. The process of dew formation is essential for plant growth, as it provides water to the plant when it is not available from the soil.
Dew cells are typically located on the upper side of leaves, where they are exposed to the atmosphere. The liquid inside the cell is held in place by a thin membrane. When the relative humidity is high, the air becomes saturated with water vapor. This causes the water vapor to condense on the surface of the leaf, and it is then drawn into the pores of the dew cells. The liquid inside the cell then evaporates into the atmosphere, cooling the leaf and providing water to the plant.
Dew cells provide a number of benefits to plants, including:
Dew cells are an important part of the plant ecosystem. They provide water to plants when it is not available from the soil, they cool the leaf, and they help to create a humid environment around the plant. These benefits help plants to grow and thrive, and they also contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem.