In Legumes, It Has Been Shown That "Sleep" (Nastic)movements Are

Question

In legumes, it has been shown that "sleep" (nastic)movements are correlated with
A) positive thigmotropisms.
B) rhythmic opening and closing of K⁺ channels in motor cell membranes.
C) senescence (the aging process in plants).
D) flowering and fruit development.
E) ABA-stimulated closing of guard cells caused by loss of K⁺.

Accepted Answer

Sleep movements in legumes are caused by rhythmic opening and closing of potassium ion (K⁺) channels in motor cell membranes. This leads to changes in turgor pressure and subsequent movement of the plant parts. Thigmotropism (A) refers to the directional growth of a plant in response to touch, and is not directly related to sleep movements. Senescence (C) refers to the aging process in plants and is not related to sleep movements. Flowering and fruit development (D) are not related to sleep movements either. ABA-induced closure of stomata (E) is not related to sleep movements in legumes.