Reproduction

Question 1

What do the axes in mature plants become?

Answer 1

Many become fertile.

Question 2

What is a Synangium?

Answer 2

1) Cauline tri-lobed structure that is produced by fertile axes.
2) Consists of three fused sporangia.
3) Each sporangium contains thousands of tetrad spores.
4) Synangia occur on lateral branches.

Question 3

[Step 1]

How are Spores released?

Answer 3

By dehiscence of synangium.

Question 4

[Step 2]

What happens to the released Spores?

Answer 4

Develop into minute, subterranean, cylindrical gametophytes devoid of chlorophyll, which contain antheridia & archegonia.

Question 5

[Step 3]

What happens after the Gametophytes develop?

Answer 5

After fertilization of egg by MULTIFLAGELLATED sperm, zygote is formed & develops into a sporophyte, which at first is attached to the gametophyte by a foot.

Question 6

Compare the Antheridia & Archegonia.

Answer 6

1) Both have sterile jackets which open upon maturity in moist soil.
2) The sperm swim in soil water to the open archegonium.