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Electrical memory in Venus flytrap.

Alexander G Volkov¹, Holly Carrell, Andrew Baldwin

¹Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL 35896, USA. agvolkov@yahoo.com

Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

|April 10, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The Venus flytrap uses specific electrical charges to close its traps, with less charge needed at higher temperatures. This electrical charge and sensory input reveal a short-term memory in the Venus flytrap.

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Area of Science:

Plant Physiology
Bioelectricity
Carnivorous Plant Research

Background:

The Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) exhibits rapid trap closure in response to stimuli.
Electrical signaling is known to be involved in the Venus flytrap's rapid closure mechanism.
Previous research has explored the electrical basis of trap closure since the 19th century.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantify the precise electrical charge required for Venus flytrap closure.
To investigate the phenomenon of short-term electrical memory in Dionaea muscipula.
To determine the effect of temperature on the electrical charge needed for trap closure.

Main Methods:

Development of a novel method for direct measurement of electrical charge.
Application of external electrical stimuli (capacitors) between the midrib and lobe.
Observation of trap closure time and charge requirements at room temperature and elevated temperatures (28-36°C).
Investigation of sensory memory through mechanical stimulation of trigger hairs.

Main Results:

A charge of 8 microC (small trap) or 9 microC (large trap) is sufficient to initiate trap closure at room temperature.
At higher temperatures (28-36°C), the required electrical charge decreases to 4.1 microC.
The cumulative nature of electrical stimuli suggests short-term electrical memory.
A single sustained mechanical stimulus on one trigger hair also induced trap closure, indicating sensory memory.

Conclusions:

The Venus flytrap utilizes specific electrical charges for rapid trap closure.
Temperature significantly influences the electrical charge threshold for trap closure.
Evidence supports the existence of both short-term electrical and sensory memory in the Venus flytrap.