Electrical Signaling Speed in Mimosa pudica Exceeds Previous Estimates by 10x
Volkov A, Ranatunga D, Markin V
Summary
9.2/10The sensitive plant transmits electrical signals 10x faster than textbooks claim, at speeds approaching simple animal nervous systems.
Key Findings
40 cm/s signal speed (10x previous)
Phloem sieve tube transmission
Temperature-dependent (enzymatic mechanism)
Original Abstract
High-speed electrode arrays measured action potential propagation in sensitive plant at 40 cm/s, 10x faster than the 4 cm/s reported in classic studies. Signals travel via phloem sieve tubes and require calcium channel activation. Speed varies with temperature (Q10 = 2.1), suggesting enzymatic rather than purely physical propagation.
Mimosa pudica
Mimosa pudica is a creeping annual or perennial flowering plant of the pea/legume family Fabaceae. It is often grown for its curiosity value: the sensitive compound leaves quickly fold inward and droop when touched or shaken and re-open a few minutes later. For this reason, this species is common...
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