Alternation of Generation in Mosses

Question 1

At the tips of the GAMETOPHYTE there are what structures?

Answer 1

Reproductive strustures:

1. Antheridium = sperms
2. Archegonium = eggs

Question 2

How do fertilization occur?

Answer 2

1. SPERM swims to ARCHEGONIUM through rainwater/dew
2. SYNGAMY occurs (FUSING of gametes)
3. DIPLOID zygote is produced

Question 3

What happens when zygote GERMINATES?

Answer 3

it produces a DIPLOID sporophyte

dependent on its GAMETOPHYTE

Question 4

What is produced inside the MATURE SPOROPHYTE capsule and how?

Answer 4

HAPLOID spores are produced through MEIOSIS

Question 5

What happens when the Sporophyte capsule ripens?

Answer 5

Spores are released and are carried off by WIND and WATER

Question 6

What do SPORES that land in moist places GERMINATE into?

Answer 6

PROTONEMA

Question 7

What are Protonema?

Answer 7

mass of tangled green filaments which forms rhizoids and shoots that develop into moss GAMETOPHYTES

Question 8

MOSS LIFE CYCLE

Answer 8

1. Gametophyte (haploid) is the dominant
2. Standing water is needed for SPERM to swim and fertilized eggs
3. Sporophyte (diploid) is SMALL and can grow only with nourishment provided by the gametophyte