Question

Give two examples of turgor movements in plants. 

Answer 1

Examples of turgor movements in plants:

1. The rapid drooping of the leaves of the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) is an outstanding example of turgor movement.
2. If one of the leaves is touched, even lightly, the leaflets fold up, and within 2 to 3 seconds, the entire leaf droops. If the leaf is touched somewhat strongly, the wave of folding and drooping spreads from the stimulated leaf to all neighbouring leaves.
3. Slowly, the leaves recover and again stand erect. In this plant, the stimulus of touch leads to loss of turgor at the base of the leaflets and at the base of the petioles, called pulvinus.
4. Somewhat similar turgor movements are found in insectivorous plants, whose leaves close up to entrap a living prey.
5. The bending movements of certain flowers towards the sun and the sleep movements of the leaves of certain plants at night are also due to turgor movements.