Scientists propose new mechanism for how Venus flytraps snap shut
By
James Woodford
Summary
Scientists may have partially solved the mystery of how Venus flytraps snap shut so quickly to catch prey. While it was widely believed that water movement through the plant's cells caused the trap to close, new detailed experiments suggest an alternative mechanism may be at work. The plant's trigger hairs must be touched twice in quick succession to activate the trap, and the exact mechanism has puzzled researchers since Charles Darwin's time.
Source
Twitter / XScientists propose new mechanism for how Venus flytraps snap shutnewscientist.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledThe mystery of how a Venus flytrap closes fast enough to catch insect prey may have been partially solved.
Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) are triggered to snap shut once hairs in their traps are touched twice in short succession.
It has been widely thought that the mechanism involves water being pumped from one side of the trap to the other through the tissue.
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