Question

Leaves of the sensitive plant wilt and droop down on a slight touch. What mechanism brings about this change?

Answer 1

The rapid drooping of the leaves of the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) is an example of turgor movement. If one of the leaves is touched, even lightly, the leaflets fold up and within 2 to 3 seconds, the entire leaf droops. If the leaf is touched somewhat strongly, the wave of folding and drooping spreads from the stimulated leaf to all neighboring leaves. Slowly, the leaves recover and again stand erect. In this plant, the stimulus of touch leads to loss of turgor at the base of petioles called a pulvinus.