Chapter 29. Non-vascular Seedless Plants (Bryophytes)

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to non-vascular seedless plants (Bryophytes), including definitions and important terms from the lecture notes.

Bryophytes

Non-vascular, seedless plants, including mosses, hornworts, and liverworts.

Gametophyte

The haploid stage in the life cycle of plants that produces gametes.

Sporophyte

The diploid stage in the plant life cycle that produces spores through meiosis.

Alternation of generations

A life cycle characteristic of land plants where two distinct multicellular stages (gametophyte and sporophyte) alternate.

Sporopollenin

A durable polymer that encases spores and pollen, providing protection.

Cuticle

A protective, waxy layer on the surface of leaves and stems that reduces water loss.

Rhizoids

Root-like structures in non-vascular plants that anchor the plant but do not conduct water.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells; important for gametophyte reproduction.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four non-identical spores.

Thallus

A plant body that is not differentiated into stems, leaves, or roots.

Apical meristem

The region at the tips of roots and shoots where active cell division occurs, allowing for growth.

Sphagnum moss

A type of moss known for its water retention capacity and its role in peat bogs.

Antheridia

Male reproductive structures in bryophytes that produce sperm.

Archegonia

Female reproductive structures in bryophytes that produce eggs.

Gemma

A small section of liverwort tissue capable of detaching and growing independently.

Nitrogen fixation

The process by which certain plants, like mosses, convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form.

Chloroplast

An organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs, containing chlorophyll.

Haploid

Having a single set of unpaired chromosomes (n), as seen in gametes.

Diploid

Having two complete sets of chromosomes (2n), as seen in the sporophyte generation.