Bryophytes and Their Distinction from Other Green Land Plants

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to bryophytes and their distinctions from other green land plants.

Bryophytes

A group of nonvascular green land plants that includes liverworts, mosses, and hornworts.

Gametophyte

The dominant stage in the bryophyte life cycle that is haploid and produces gametes.

Sporophyte

The diploid generation in the bryophyte life cycle that is short-lived and consists of the capsule, seta, and foot.

Rhizoids

Structures in bryophytes used for anchorage, but not for absorption of water and minerals.

Antheridia

Male reproductive organs in bryophytes that produce biflagellate spermatozoids.

Archegonia

Female reproductive organs in bryophytes that contain the egg cell and are involved in fertilization.

Life Cycle of Bryophytes

Displays two alternating generations: a haploid gametophyte and a diploid sporophyte.

Meiosis

A process that occurs in spore development, resulting in haploid spores from a diploid spore mother cell.

Haploid

A cell or organism that has one set of chromosomes (n), characteristic of the gametophyte generation.

Diploid

A cell or organism that has two sets of chromosomes (2n), characteristic of the sporophyte generation.

Waxy Cuticle

A thin covering in bryophytes that helps reduce water loss but allows easy desiccation.

Primitive Plants

Early plants like bryophytes that do not have true roots, stems, or leaves and are similar to the first land plants.

Chemotactic Swimming

The movement of spermatozoids in water towards the archegonium during fertilization in bryophytes.