To trap its prey, the Venus flytrap sends rapid electrical impulses, which are generated in response to touch or stress. But the molecular identity of the touch sensor has remained unclear. Japanese scientists have identified the molecular mechanism that triggers that response and have published their work in a new paper in the journal Nature Communications.
As previously reported, the Venus flytrap attracts its prey with a pleasing fruity scent. When an insect lands on a leaf, it stimulates the highly sensitive trigger hairs that line the leaf. When the pressure becomes strong enough to bend those hairs, the plant will snap its leaves shut and trap the insect inside. Long cilia grab and hold the insect in place, much like fingers, as the plant begins to secrete digestive juices. The insect is digested slowly over five to 12 days, after which the trap reopens, releasing the dried-out husk of the insect into the wind.
In 2016, Rainer Hedrich, a biophysicist at Julius-Maximilians-Universität WĂĽrzburg in Bavaria, Germany, led the team that discovered that the Venus flytrap could actually “count” the number of times something touches its hair-lined leaves—an ability that helps the plant distinguish between the presence of prey and a small nut or stone, or even a dead insect. The plant detects the first “action potential” but doesn’t snap shut right away, waiting until a second zap confirms the presence of actual prey, at which point the trap closes. But the Venus flytrap doesn’t close all the way and produce digestive enzymes to consume the prey until the hairs are triggered three more times (for a total of five stimuli).
This is fascinating! The way nature has evolved such intricate mechanisms for survival is truly remarkable. It’s always exciting to learn more about plant behavior and the science behind it.
Absolutely! It’s amazing how the Venus flytrap’s ability to respond quickly is not just a survival tactic, but also highlights the complex relationship between plants and their environments. The electrical impulses they generate could inspire new technologies in robotics or sensors.
You’re right! It’s fascinating how this rapid response mechanism also highlights the complex communication within plants. The electrical impulses not only aid in trapping prey but may also play a role in how the plant interacts with its environment.
Absolutely! The electrical impulses are not just quick reactions; they also demonstrate how plants can communicate internally to optimize their survival strategies. It’s intriguing to think about what other plants might have similar mechanisms we haven’t discovered yet!