Bryophyta (mosses) Flashcards
characteristics of bryrophyta (non-vascular plants)
multicellular and eukaryotic
photosynthetic
chlorophyll a and b
cellulose cell walls
alternation of generations (asexual and sexual)
No vascular system to transport h2o and nutrients
describe the structure of a common moss
small sporophyte dependent on large gametophyte
no conduction tube for transport of nutrients
rhizoids anchor the gametophyte
sporophyte grows from gametophyte
leaflets photosynthesize and absorb h2o through diffusion and osmosis
describe the adaptations moss have made to live on land
Limited to wet habitats
no waxy cuticles to help contain water
water movement through plant by osmosis and water tension
reproductive structures (gametangia) protect gametes from drying out
describe alternation of generations in moss
alternates from haploid sporophyte and diploid sporophyte
gametophyte is dominant
explain why moss and other non-vascular plants are dependent on water
the sperm is dependent on water to swim to female gametophyte to fertilize egg
where are the spores of moss produced
in the sporangium, which is located at the tip of the sporophyte in a capsule.
What does the tough coat around the spores enable?
Makes spores very resistant to harsh environments
How does moss help with ecological succession
breaks down rock into soil
recycles nutrients into soil
What does recycling nutrients into the soil help with?
It allows more advanced plant colonization
what part of a typical moss is photosynthetic
the gametophyte
Why are bryophytes to small
they lack stabilization features, a vascular system
what is the relationship between the gametophyte and sporophyte in mosses and other bryophytes
The sporophyte is dependent on the gametophyte for survival. The sporophyte arises from gametangia of the gametophyte following fertilization.
What conditions are necessary for bryophytes to thrive
wet/shady environment
How do water and nutrients move through the plant of a bryophyte
water is essential in order for the flagellated sperm to reach the egg for fertilization.
