Class 10 Exam  >  Class 10 Questions  >  Why mimosa pudica leaves drop down when touch... Start Learning for Free
Why mimosa pudica leaves drop down when touched?
Most Upvoted Answer
Why mimosa pudica leaves drop down when touched?
**Introduction**

Mimosa pudica, commonly known as the sensitive plant, is a fascinating species that exhibits a unique defense mechanism in response to touch or physical disturbance. The leaves of the Mimosa pudica plant have the ability to fold and droop when touched, giving rise to its intriguing nickname.

**Turgor Pressure**

The movement of Mimosa pudica leaves is primarily driven by changes in turgor pressure within specialized cells called pulvinus. The pulvinus is located at the base of each leaflet and acts as a motor organ, responsible for the leaf movement.

**Role of Water and Ions**

When the plant is undisturbed, water and ions are actively pumped into the specialized cells of the pulvinus. This influx of water creates a state of high turgor pressure, causing the leaflets to remain in an open and expanded position.

**Mechanical Stimulation**

When the leaflets of Mimosa pudica are touched or physically stimulated, the plant initiates a rapid response mechanism. This mechanical stimulation triggers a series of biochemical events that lead to the loss of turgor pressure in the pulvinus cells.

**Ion Movement**

Upon stimulation, the plant releases ions, particularly potassium ions, from the cells in the pulvinus. This rapid efflux of ions reduces the osmotic potential within the cells, causing water to move out of the cells through osmosis.

**Water Loss and Cell Collapse**

As water moves out of the pulvinus cells, the turgor pressure decreases significantly. Consequently, the leaflets lose their rigidity and the pulvinus collapses, causing the leaflets to fold and droop downwards. This folding and drooping response is an adaptive strategy to protect the sensitive plant from potential harm caused by physical contact or grazing by herbivores.

**Recovery and Resetting**

After a period of time, usually within minutes, the pulvinus cells regain their turgor pressure through the reabsorption of water and ions. This allows the leaflets to extend and assume their original position. This recovery and resetting mechanism ensures that the plant can resume normal photosynthesis and growth.

In conclusion, the drooping of Mimosa pudica leaves when touched is a result of a rapid loss of turgor pressure in the pulvinus cells, triggered by mechanical stimulation. This unique defense mechanism allows the plant to protect itself from potential harm and resume normal function once the threat has passed.
Community Answer
Why mimosa pudica leaves drop down when touched?
It is the plant which is very senstive .................when it is touched by anyone then it shed its water present in it........this why it gets shrink due to touch........and one thing more it does not fall down .........
Attention Class 10 Students!
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 10 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 10.
Explore Courses for Class 10 exam

Similar Class 10 Doubts

Top Courses for Class 10

Why mimosa pudica leaves drop down when touched?
Question Description
Why mimosa pudica leaves drop down when touched? for Class 10 2024 is part of Class 10 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 10 exam syllabus. Information about Why mimosa pudica leaves drop down when touched? covers all topics & solutions for Class 10 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Why mimosa pudica leaves drop down when touched?.
Solutions for Why mimosa pudica leaves drop down when touched? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for Class 10. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Class 10 Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Why mimosa pudica leaves drop down when touched? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Why mimosa pudica leaves drop down when touched?, a detailed solution for Why mimosa pudica leaves drop down when touched? has been provided alongside types of Why mimosa pudica leaves drop down when touched? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Why mimosa pudica leaves drop down when touched? tests, examples and also practice Class 10 tests.
Explore Courses for Class 10 exam

Top Courses for Class 10

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev