Action potentials induce biomagnetic fields in Venus flytrap plants

Abstract

Upon stimulation, plants elicit electrical signals that can travel within a cellular network analogous to the animal nervous system. It is well-known that in the human brain, voltage changes in certain regions result from concerted electrical activity which, in the form of action potentials (APs), travels within nerve-cell arrays. Electrophysiological techniques like electroencephalography1, magnetoencephalography2, and magnetic resonance imaging3,4 are used to record this activity and to diagnose disorders. In the plant kingdom, two types of electrical signals are observed: all-or-nothing APs of similar amplitudes to those seen in humans and animals, and slow-wave potentials of smaller amplitudes. Sharp APs appear restricted to unique plant species like the “sensitive plant”, Mimosa pudica, and the carnivorous Venus flytrap, Dionaea muscipula5,6. Here we ask the question, is electrical activity in the Venus flytrap accompanied by distinct magnetic signals? Using atomic optically pumped magnetometers7,8, biomagnetism in AP-firing traps of the carnivorous plant was recorded. APs were induced by heat stimulation, and the thermal properties of ion channels underlying the AP were studied.The measured magnetic signals exhibit similar temporal behavior and shape to the fast de- and repolarization AP phases. Our findings pave the way to understanding the molecular basis of biomagnetism, which might be used to improve magnetometer-based noninvasive diagnostics of plant stress and disease.

Biomolecular Basis of Cellular Consciousness via Subcellular Nanobrains

“…This world view has encumbered the biological sciences and prevented a full integration of the true nature of living cells and their attendant biological consciousness into a renewed evolutionary framework. Cells not only generate their own electromagnetic fields but are highly sensitive to extracellular electromagnetic fields [ 76 , 77 , 181 , 182 , 183 , 184 , 185 , 186 ]. It has been recently reported [ 186 ] that action potentials traveling along vascular bundles of carnivorous Venus flytrap plants induce biomagnetic fields.…”

“…Cells not only generate their own electromagnetic fields but are highly sensitive to extracellular electromagnetic fields [ 76 , 77 , 181 , 182 , 183 , 184 , 185 , 186 ]. It has been recently reported [ 186 ] that action potentials traveling along vascular bundles of carnivorous Venus flytrap plants induce biomagnetic fields. In fact, cellular bioelectricity has a significant role in the control of development, morphogenesis, and regeneration at all levels of biological complexity [ 80 , 81 , 133 , 136 , 187 ].…”

Sensitive magnetometry in challenging environments

“…Nevertheless, successful attempts have been made, in particular with the use of SQUID magnetometers to measure signalling in wounded bean plants [274], and OPMs to measure stimulated action potentials in Venus Flytraps [275].…”

Magnetoresponsive Devices with Programmable Behavior Using a Customized Commercial Stereolithographic 3D Printer

“…[1,2] For instance, in abalone shells and shrimps the oriented and hierarchical microstructure is responsible for their outstanding impact resistance, [3,4] in carnivorous plants, as the Dionaea muscipula, the microstructure is exploited to induce precise shape morphism, in pinecones the motion is actuated in response to humidity. [5][6][7][8][9] Magnetotactic bacteria synthesize magnetic iron nanominerals inside them, which function as tiny compasses allowing them to navigate by means of Earth's geomagnetic field. [10] From a technical point of view, despite the attempts to mimic and reproduce natural architectures and patterns, conventional fabrication techniques often face technical and resolution limitations.…”