Moss Capsule (4/4)

Question 1

Small fraction of the tissue is what? The rest is…

Answer 1

Sporogenous.

The rest is photosynthetic until surface layer becomes hard & brown.

Question 2

What happens as the capsule develops?

Answer 2

Cells of sporogenous tissue separate to form spherical sporocytes which undergo meiosis to form 4 spores each (tetrads).

Question 3

What does shedding reveal?

Answer 3

Shedding of calyptras and operculum (capsule apex) reveals the peristome.

Question 4

What is the peristome composed of in Polytrichum?

Answer 4

• 64 short teeth which are fastened to the rim of the capsule by a membrane called epiphragm.
• Teeth are composed of whole cells.

Question 5

List four features of Funaria.

Answer 5

1. No epiphragm
2. Elongate, triangular teeth
3. Teeth converge at the apex of the capsule.
4. Teeth composed of remnants of cell walls.

Question 6

Humidity triggers what?

Answer 6

Movement of peristome and release of spores.