Question

A venus flytrap can digest small organism such as insects and small amphibians like frogs. Can you explain what exactly happens inside the plant once it closes around its prey (they don't have teeth)?

Answer 1

The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant that captures and digests prey using its modified leaves. When triggered by touch, the leaves close and enzymes are secreted to break down the prey. The plant then absorbs the released nutrients.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant that uses its modified leaves to capture and digest prey. When an insect or small amphibian like a frog touches the trigger hairs inside the leaf, the trap suddenly closes. The closure of the leaves is a thigmonastic response, which is a touch response independent of the direction of the stimulus. Once closed, glands on the leaf surface secrete enzymes that slowly digest the prey. The released nutrients are then absorbed by the leaves.