Reproduction

Question 1

Where are Sporangia localized?

Answer 1

In strobili

Question 2

What are Sporangiophores?

Answer 2

Sporangia-bearing appendages

Careful - NOT known as sporophylls.

Question 3

What does each Sporangiophore bear?

Answer 3

5-10 cylindrical sporangia on adaxial surface.

Question 4

Step 1
(Hint: Sporogenous tissue)

Answer 4

Sporogenous tissue in sporangia give rise to sporocytes, which give tetrad meiospores by meiosis.

Question 5

Is Equisetum homosporous or heterosporous?

Answer 5

Homosporous

Question 6

Step 2
(Hint: Elaters)

Answer 6

1) Spores have elaters (appendages) which arise by the cracking of the outermost layer of the spore wall.
2) Elaters are very sensitive to humidity.

Question 7

Step 3
(Hint: Chlorophyll)

Answer 7

1) Spores rich in chlorophyll develop into gametophytes on moist soil.
2) They grow & produce outgrowths between which the antheridia & archegonia are borne.

Question 8

Step 4
(Hint: Gametophytes)

Answer 8

1) Some gametophytes produce archegonia & then antheridia; others produce only antheridia.
2) This provides cross-fertilization as well as self-fertilization.

Question 9

Briefly describe the Archegonial neck.

Answer 9

Has four rows of neck cells

Question 10

Step 5
(Hint: Fertilization)

Answer 10

After fertilization, a sporophyte develops which consists of an absorptive foot + erect shoot (with nodes & internodes) + a radicle.