The opening of the guard cells of the epidermis in plants is by the process of
Answer Details
The opening of the guard cells of the epidermis in plants is by the process of **osmosis**. Guard cells are specialized cells that control the opening and closing of stomata on the surface of leaves. When water is absorbed by the guard cells, they become turgid and swell, causing the stomata to open. This process is due to the movement of water through the cell membrane from an area of low solute concentration (outside the cell) to an area of high solute concentration (inside the cell), which is called osmosis. The opening and closing of stomata are important for gas exchange and regulating water loss in plants.