Page 53 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 29
P. 53
Food Health
of the cells.
I possess. My specialized structures and
physiological mechanisms are the starting Me: How does the variation in osmotic
point. pressure influence the folding of your leaves?
Me: What specific adaptations allow you to Mimosa plant: This alteration in osmotic
swiftly fold your leaves? pressure causes my pulvinus cells to swiftly
lose water. Consequently, the turgor pressure
Mimosa Plant: Well, it all starts with my within these cells swiftly decreases.
pulvinus, which functions as a motor organ at Me: Ah, so the decrease in turgor pressure
the base of each leaflet. The pulvinus consists causes the cells to contract, causing your
of specialized cells and tissues that regulate leaves to fold?
leaf movement.
Mimosa plant: Exactly! The rapid loss of
Me: That’s fascinating! How does the turgor pressure causes my leaflets to collapse
pulvinus initiate the folding process? inward, folding them together. This response
happens within seconds, creating the
Mimosa plant: An electrical signal is sent fascinating visual display you observe.
through my tissues when I am stimulated by
contact or mechanical disturbance. Within Me: That is incredible! Your ability to
my pulvinus, this electrical signal initiates a rapidly respond to touch and fold your leaves
series of biochemical reactions. is mesmerizing. Thank you for elucidating
this astounding phenomenon.
Me: What occurs after the electrical signal
has been transmitted? Mimosa plant: You’re welcome! It is my
delight to explain the marvels of my folding
Mimosa plant: The electrical signal causes behavior. Is there anything else about me that
the discharge of calcium and potassium ions you would like to know?
or particles from the pulvinus cells. This
discharge of ions alters the osmotic pressure
ISSUE 29 | JULY 2024 53
