Morphing Structures, Mechanosensors, and Osmotic Motors in Plants
Abstract
We created a digital system for measurements of extremely low electrical currents in plants. We analyzed and evaluated equivalent electrical circuits in clusters of plant cells and in whole plants and studied the concerted movements and morphing structures induced by electrostimulation of plants and the dynamics of cellular processes. For measurements of force and pressure generated by plants in morphing processes we developed 3 new efficient methods and measured the average impact force of closing the Venus flytrap, morphing force of the trap constriction, and escaping force from the closed trap. We estimated electrical charge, current, resistance, electrical energy and electrical power variation with time during electrostimulation of the morphing trap. We estimated the speed and acceleration of lobe rims during the trap closing. Our results demonstrate that a voltage gated K+ channel in the excitable tissue of plants has properties of a memristor. This study can be a starting point for understanding mechanisms of morphing, memory, learning, circadian rhythms, and biological clocks. This work provides quantitative data on morphing processes, leads to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in mechanosensing, high speed movements, electrically controlled morphing, and it creates the foundation for the development of advanced sensors, highly efficient noise free motors and morphing structures for future DoD and Air Forces applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 24, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA617036
Entities
People
- Alexandre G. Volkov
Organizations
- Oakwood University