Mimosa pudica : experiment of electrical stimulation of plant movements

• Main Author: Wee, Jun Xian
• Other Authors: Li Hua
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/68477
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Mimosa pudica can be found in various open fields around Singapore. It is known for its movement when being stimulated by touch, also known as mechanical stimulation. Many studies have been conducted to understand the movement of the plant and it was found that besides mechanical stimulation, heat, electrical and light stimulation caused the leaves of the plant to react and they induced movements as well. This report aims to provide an understanding on the different factors that might affect the movements of Mimosa pudica as well as the fatigue life of the Mimosa pudica. An experiment involving mechanical and electrical stimulation will be conducted to accomplish these aims. Electrodes will be inserted into the Mimosa pudica to provide electrical stimulation for the whole duration of experiment. The leaves of the Mimosa pudica will then be stimulated mechanically. Timing for the leaves of the plant to open and close will be noted, analyzed and discussed. It was interesting to note that after being stimulated constantly with electricity, the leaves of the Mimosa pudica overlapped at the 4th mechanical stimulation, and it will take a much longer time for the leaves to return to its original state. This is unheard of and the reason is likely to be the extended electrical stimulation which led to the sub-pulvinus to bend more than usual.