Lecture 16: Phyla of Bryophytes

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on the phyla of bryophytes, including their life cycles, structures, and evolutionary significance.

Liverworts

A group of bryophytes characterized by flat thalli and are known for their gametophyte tissue.

Sporophyte

The diploid, spore-producing phase of the life cycle in bryophytes, developing from the zygote.

Gametophyte

The haploid phase in the life cycle of bryophytes that produces gametes.

Matrotrophy

A mode of nutrition where the developing sporophyte is nourished by the gametophyte.

Hydroids

Conducting strands in Bryophyta that conduct water, similar to xylem.

Leptoids

Conducting strands in Bryophyta that transport photoassimilates and other metabolites, similar to phloem.

Stomata

Small openings in the epidermis of plant leaves and stems that allow gas exchange.

Rhizoids

Structures that anchor bryophytes to a substratum but do not function like roots in nutrient uptake.

Sporic meiosis

A type of life cycle involving an alternation of generations, characteristic of bryophytes.

Gene duplication

An evolutionary event where parts of a chromosome that contain genes are duplicated.

Neo- and subfunctionalization

Processes following gene duplication that lead to new gene functions or the loss of functions.

Placenta (in bryophyte context)

Tissue that connects the sporophyte with the gametophyte, facilitating nutrient transfer.

Embryophytes

Plants that develop an embryo and include bryophytes and vascular plants.

Antheridia

Male gametangia in bryophytes that produce sperm.

Archegonia

Female gametangia in bryophytes that contain the egg.