Vol. 9 No. 1 (2010): Mapana Journal of Sciences
Research Articles

Effect of Mechanical Stimuli on the Sensitivity of Mimosa Pudica Plant

Yatheesh K. Rawgof
Christ University, Bangalore
Minu Mary Mathew
Christ University, Bangalore
Bindu Thomas
Christ University, Bangalore
Vidya V.
Christ University, Bangalore
Rinchen W.
Christ University, Bangalore

Published 2010-05-31

Keywords

  • Mimosa pudica,
  • Mechano-sensitive

Abstract

'Touch me not' plant is o herb that shows sensation on touch, which is taxonomically called as Mimosa pudica. The fern like leaves close up and droop when touched; usually re-open within few minutes as a response to stimuli. Mimosa pudica reacts to mechanical stimuli with help of mechanosensitive channels. They are ideal transducers of physiologically relevant mechanical forces. The present study focus on the effect of mechanical stimuli in terms of various touch viz., human, plastic, cotton, fiber and wood on the sensitivity of Mimosa pudico plant whose leaves are at tender stage. Time taken for the leaflets to close and reopen was noted for each of the above mentioned stimuli. The t-test has shown the significant result for various mechanical stimuli. The rote of sensitivity was very high in Mimosa pudica as result of plastic touch.