characteristics of bryophytes and pteridophytes

A haploid gametophyte, each of whose cells contains a fixed number of unpaired chromosomes, gives rise to a diploid sporophyte, each of whose cells contains twice the number of paired chromosomes. Like all land plants (embryophytes), bryophytes show ‘alternation of generations’. Consists of a stalk (seta), capsule and foot (attaches gametophyte stage with sporophyte stage for exchange of nutrition.Typically attached to and nutritionally depend on the gametophyte.Produces spores (hence the name), by meiosis.The diploid stage – has a double set of chromosomes.In mosses and liverworts, the gametophyte is leafy, while in some liverworts and most hornworts it is thallus.A photosynthetic plant and is usually attached to its substratum by hair like rhizoids.The male sex organ (antheridium) and the female sex organ (archegonium)

The gametophyte produces male or female gametes (or both).The haploid stage, with each of its cells containing only a single set of chromosomes.Meaning that the more prominent, longer-lived plant Bryophytes show distinct alternation of gametophytic generation with sporophytic generation.Hence, they are commonly described as ‘amphibians of the plant kingdom’. They require water for completing the life cycle.The lack of conducting cells limits the size of the plants, generally keeping them less than 5 inches high.

They do not possess true vascular tissues.

Water and mineral salts can be absorbed by the whole surface of the plant body including rhizoids. They do not play a primary role in water and mineral absorption.

They have no distinct root system, but they anchored by tubular cells or filaments of cells, called rhizoids.

They produce neither flowers nor seeds, reproducing via spores.

Characteristics of bryophytes and pteridophytes