Why do the leaves of touch-me-not plant close when they are touched?

Answer 1

The Makahiya plant, more commonly known as the TickleMe Plant moves for the following reasons:

Some scientists think that the TickleMe Plant's movements may be the way that the plant protects itself from animals that attempt to eat it. An insect or other animal may touch the TickleMe Plant and the plant will begin to close its leaves and lower its leafstalks. When the TickleMe Plant moves, this may scare the animal, causing the animal to move away from it and go on to a less active plant. It could be that when the TickleMe Plant closes its leaves and lowers its leafstalks, its thorns become more exposed. Showing off its thorns, may be another way for the TickleMe Plant to warn plant eating animals to stay away.

Answer 2

Due to the action of motor cells at the base of the petiole and leaflets.The motor cells are activated by touch of the sensitive hairs present on the surface of touch-me-not plant.

Like a number of other plant species, it undergoes changes in leaf orientation termed "sleep" or nyctinastic movement. The foliage closes during darkness and reopens in light.

The leaves also close under various other stimuli, such as touching, warming, blowing, or shaking.

These types of movements have been termed seismonastic movements. The movement occurs when specific regions of cells lose tugor pressure, which is the force that is applied onto the cell wall by water within the cell vacuoles and other cell contents.

When the plant is disturbed, specific regions on the stems are stimulated to release chemicals which force water out of the cell vacuoles and the water diffuses out of the cells, producing a loss of cell pressure and cell collapse; this differential turgidity between different regions of cells results in the closing of the leaflets and the collapse of the leaf petiole.

This characteristic is quite common within the Mimosoideas subfamily of the legume family, Fabaceae. The stimulus can also be transmitted to neighboring leaves. It is not known exactly why Mimosa pudica evolved this trait, but many scientists think that the plant uses its ability to shrink as a defense from predators. Animals may be afraid of a fast moving plant and would rather eat a less active one.

Another possible explanation is that the sudden movement dislodges harmful insects. See video link below.

Answer 3

The touch-me-not plant closes its leaves when they are touched as a defense mechanism to protect itself from potential threats or damage. This rapid response is triggered by the stimulation of specialized cells in the plant called pulvinar cells, which control the movement of the leaves.

Answer 4

It is thought to be a defense mechanism against grazers.

Answer 5

• The Makahiya Plant Respond When Touched It's Leave Became Close.

Answer 6

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