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Nitrogen Modulates Electrical Signaling and Trap Closure Kinetics in Venus Flytraps

CSEF · 2026 Plant Biology (Junior Division)

Diane Euh

Overview

Venus Flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) are carnivorous plants native to nitrogen-poor wetlands. Scientists believe the nitrogen deficiency was the driving factor for evolution of pretty capture. Therefore, I hypothesized that the amount of nitrogen in the soil will affect the trap closure behavior. Previously, I showed that nitrogen-deficient plants had the fastest and most forceful trap closure. Building on this, I determined whether the differences in the trap closure are due to variations in action potential profiles. I measured action potential amplitude, depolarization and repolarization duration, and refractory period. Surprisingly, maximum amplitudes were generated in plants grown in medium rather than lowest nitrogen conditions. However, specific action potential parameters still correlated with closure kinetics. These results suggest more complex relationships exist between nitrogen level, action potential and trap closure.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2026 Plant Biology (Junior Division) · Entry J-18-21

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