Thigmonasty is caused by the change in the turgor pressure within Mimosa pudica leaves. Turgor pressure is the force against the cell wall of the plant that is created by the water within the cell contents. This pressure keeps the leaves standing up in normal conditions. When this plant is touched, the mechanosensory response begins by activating the contractile proteins in the base of the leaf. These proteins allow the water within the cell to slowly diffuse out, decreasing the turgor pressure in the plant and therefore causing the leaves to collapse. Once one single leaf is touched, the other leaves on the branch become stimulated by the motion of the first leaf and close as well. With the lack or excess of water in heat within the 4 environments, the turgor pressure in these leaves may be altered. This may cause the thigmonasty response to be altered in these plants.
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