Question

Leaves of the sensitive plant move very quickly in response to ‘touch’. How is this stimulus of touch communicated and explain how the movement takes place? 

Hint:

Thigmotropism helps plants respond to physical stimuli, and this unique movement is powered by changes in water pressure inside plant cells.

Answer 1

The F₂sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica)F₂ exhibits F₂thigmotropismF₂, which is the movement in response to touch.
- When the leaves of the sensitive plant are touched, it causes a rapid change in turgor pressure in the cells.
- The signal is first detected by mechanoreceptors in the plant's cells, which then trigger an electrical impulse that moves across the plant tissue.
- This causes a change in the flow of water in the plant cells, resulting in the leaves folding and drooping. This is a defense mechanism to avoid herbivory.