EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Option b: Seismonasty or thigmonasty is defined as a nastic response produced either by plants or fungus as and when they are touched or sense a feel of vibration. Mimosa pudica are popular for their leaf movements i.e. gradual opening and closing of leaves according to the position of petioles.

Detailed explanation-2: -The movements are attributed to the amount of auxin, K+ ions and therefore the movement of water. Entry of water to the lower side of the pulvinus causes the leaves to stand erect and the exit of water causes them to droop.

Detailed explanation-3: -Leaves of the Mimosa Pudica plant will wither when touched. This is due to a loss in the turgidity pressure in the cells of pulvinus. The direction in which the leaves curl remains the same when they are touched in any direction so this is a seismonastic movement.

Detailed explanation-4: -Mechanical stimulation like touch or contact, rapid winds, raindrops, etc. cause seismonastic movement in plants. Many plant parts, including the stigmas, stamens, and leaves, exhibit seismonastic movements. For example-The leaflets of the Mimosa pudica plant rapidly fold and droop in response to touch.

Detailed explanation-5: -Mimosa pudica is well known for its rapid plant movement. 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.