Energetics and forces of the Dionaea muscipula trap closing

Alexander G. Volkov, Veronica A. Murphy, Jacqueline I. Clemmons, Michael J. Curley, Vladislav S. Markin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Venus flytrap is the most famous carnivorous plant. The electrical stimulus between a midrib and a lobe closes the Venus flytrap upper leaf in 0.3. s without mechanical stimulation of trigger hairs. Here we present results for direct measurements of the closing force of the trap of Dionaea muscipula Ellis after mechanical or electrical stimulation of the trap using the piezoelectric thin film or Fuji Prescale indicating sensor film. The closing force was 0.14. N and the corresponding pressure between rims of two lobes was 38. kPa. We evaluated theoretically using the Hydroelastic Curvature Model and compared with experimental data velocity, acceleration and kinetic energy from the time dependencies of distance between rims of lobes during the trap closing. The Charge Stimulation Method was used for trap electrostimulation between the midrib and lobes. From the dependence of voltage between two Ag/AgCl electrodes in the midrib and one of the lobes, we estimated electrical charge, current, resistance, electrical energy and electrical power dependencies on time during electrostimulation of the trap.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)55-64
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Plant Physiology
Volume169
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2012

Keywords

  • Carnivorous plant
  • Electrophysiology
  • Morphing structures
  • Plant biomechanics
  • Venus flytrap

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Plant Science

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