Plant Biology: Bryophytes and Seedless Vascular Plants

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lectures on bryophytes and seedless vascular plants, highlighting their characteristics, reproductive structures, and ecological significance.

Charophytes

A group of green algae that share many traits with plants and are the closest relatives to all land plants.

Characteristics shared by charophytes and plants

1. Rings of cellulose-synthesizing proteins 2. Peroxisome enzymes 3. Structure of flagellated sperm 4. Formation of phragmoplast during cell division.

Key derived characteristics of land plants

1. Alternation of generations 2. Walled spores with sporopollenin 3. Multicellular gametangia 4. Apical meristems.

Main characteristics of bryophytes

1. No vascular tissue 2. Depend on water for reproduction 3. Flagellated sperm 4. No true roots (have rhizoids) 5. Gametophyte-dominant life cycle 6. Homosporous.

Parts of a bryophyte sporophyte

1. Foot: Anchors sporophyte to gametophyte and absorbs nutrients. 2. Seta: Elevates the capsule for spore dispersal. 3. Capsule: Produces and releases spores.

Male reproductive structure in bryophytes

Antheridium: Produces flagellated sperm.

Female reproductive structure in bryophytes

Archegonium: Produces a single egg and protects the embryo.

Phyla of bryophytes

1. Phylum Hepatophyta (Liverworts) - Example: Marchantia 2. Phylum Bryophyta (Mosses) - Example: Polytrichum 3. Phylum Anthocerophyta (Hornworts) - Example: Anthoceros.

Ecological significance of mosses

1. Help retain soil moisture and prevent erosion. 2. Store carbon and form peat. 3. Pioneer species in new or disturbed environments.

Key characteristics of seedless vascular plants

1. Have vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) 2. Depend on water for reproduction 3. Flagellated sperm 4. True roots and leaves 5. Sporophyte-dominant life cycle 6. Have sporophylls and spores.

Phyla and examples of seedless vascular plants

1. Phylum Lycophyta (Club mosses) – Example: Lycopodium 2. Phylum Monilophyta (Ferns, horsetails, whisk ferns) - Example: Pteridium (bracken fern).