Signaling in electrical networks of the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula Ellis)

The Venus flytrap captures insects with one of the most rapid movements in the plant kingdom. There is a significant difference between properties of electrical signals generated in the Venus flytrap described in literature. Amplitudes of action potentials vary from 14 mV to 200 mV with duration of signals from 2 ms to 10 s. Here we present experimental study of potential differences between Ag/AgCl electrodes inserted to the trap, petiole, and into soil or external ECG electrodes attached to surfaces of the Venus flytrap. Diverse types of electrodes with various positions in a plant tissue or in soil show different amplitude and duration of electrical signals because potentials are measured in different electrochemical circuits. Electrical signals in the Venus flytrap were induced by mechanical stimulation of the trigger hairs or by chemical stimulation of a midrib using small drops of H2O2 or HNO3. Here we found that action potentials can propagate with speed up to 10 m/s in the trap of D. muscipula. Results are compared with equivalent electrical circuits. [Display omitted] •Action potentials in the trap can induce electrotonic potentials in the petiole•Amplitude and duration of signals obtained by extracellular or external electrodes can be different•Arrangement of electrodes inside or outside plants corresponds to different electrical circuits•Action potentials propagate with speed up to 10 m/s in the trap of D. muscipula.•Mechanical or chemical stimuli can generate different electrical signals in the Venus flytrap