15.2.1

Venus Flytrap

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Venus Fly Trap

Venus flytraps rapidly close in response to tactile stimulation. This is useful as it allows them to capture insects for food.

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Hairs

  • The modified leaves of Venus flytraps are covered with hundreds of minute hairs.
  • When an insect lands on the hairs, it causes the leaves to close.
  • The insect becomes trapped and the flytrap can digest the insect as food.
    • The plant attracts insects through the red inner lobes of the leaves and a flora scent.
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Signalling cascade

  • The tactile stimulation of the hairs causes an increase in Ca2+ ion concentration.
  • If this depolarisation reaches the threshold potential, an action potential is triggered. The action potential causes the leaves to close.
    • To reach the threshold, several hairs have to be stimulated. This helps limit the plant closing in response to smaller stimuli, such as the wind.
  • Repeated stimulation causes the leaves to seal. Digestive enzymes can then be released to digest the fly.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Structure

2Biological Molecules

3Enzymes

4Cell Membranes & Transport

5The Mitotic Cell Cycle

6Nucleic Acids & Protein Synthesis

7Transport in Plants

8Transport in Mammals

9Gas Exchange

10Infectious Diseases

11Immunity

12Energy & Respiration (A2 Only)

13Photosynthesis (A2 Only)

14Homeostasis (A2 Only)

15Control & Coordination (A2 Only)

16Inherited Change (A2 Only)

17Selection & Evolution (A2 Only)

18Classification & Conservation (A2 Only)

19Genetic Technology (A2 Only)

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