When we touch the plant it loses water present in leaves because of heat transfered from our body.due to lose of water it shrinks .

Why does the touch me not plant shrink?

The touch me not plant, also known as Mimosa pudica, is a fascinating plant that exhibits a unique characteristic of shrinking when touched or disturbed. This intriguing behavior is an adaptive response of the plant to protect itself from potential harm or predators. Let's explore the reasons behind the touch me not plant shrinking in detail.

1. Turgor pressure:
One of the main reasons why the touch me not plant shrinks is due to its turgor pressure mechanism. Turgor pressure refers to the pressure exerted by fluid within the plant cells against the cell walls. When the touch me not plant is in its normal state, its cells are filled with water, creating a high turgor pressure. This pressure gives the plant structure and helps it maintain an upright position.

2. Thigmonastic movement:
The touch me not plant has thigmonastic movement, which means it responds to touch or physical stimulation. When the plant is touched or disturbed, it rapidly loses turgor pressure in its cells, causing them to collapse. This collapse results in the plant's leaves and stems drooping or shrinking. This response is an adaptive mechanism to deter potential threats, such as herbivores or humans.

3. Protection from predators:
By shrinking, the touch me not plant reduces its surface area, making it less accessible to herbivores. The sudden shrinking of its leaves also creates a visually unappealing appearance, potentially deterring predators from consuming it. This defense mechanism allows the plant to protect itself and increase its chances of survival.

4. Energy conservation:
Shrinking helps the touch me not plant conserve energy. When the plant is disturbed, it redirects its energy towards recovering and protecting itself rather than carrying out regular growth processes. By shrinking, the plant minimizes the energy expenditure required for maintaining its normal state, allowing it to focus on healing and defense.

5. Rapid recovery:
After shrinking, the touch me not plant quickly recovers its normal state. Within minutes, the plant begins to regain turgor pressure in its cells, causing them to expand. This recovery process enables the plant to resume its regular growth and functioning once the perceived threat has passed.

In conclusion, the touch me not plant shrinks as a response to touch or disturbance due to its turgor pressure mechanism and thigmonastic movement. It serves as a defense mechanism against predators, conserves energy, and facilitates rapid recovery. This unique behavior showcases the remarkable adaptations of plants to protect themselves and increase their chances of survival.