Pseudoelaters are found ina)Funaria b)Sphagnumc)Marchantiad)Anthoceros...
Pseudoelaters are found in Anthoceros.
Pseudoelaters:
- Pseudoelaters are elongated, ribbon-like structures found in the sporangium of certain plants, including Anthoceros.
- They are unique to the hornwort family Anthocerotaceae and play a crucial role in the dispersal of spores.
Anthoceros:
- Anthoceros is a genus of non-vascular plants commonly known as hornworts.
- It is a group of bryophytes that belong to the division Anthocerotophyta.
- Anthoceros plants are small in size and often grow in damp habitats like damp soil, rocks, or tree trunks.
Structure of Anthoceros sporangium:
- The sporangium of Anthoceros consists of three layers: the outer wall, middle wall, and inner wall.
- The inner wall of the sporangium contains numerous elongated structures called pseudoelaters.
- These pseudoelaters are hygroscopic, meaning they respond to changes in moisture levels.
- The pseudoelaters have thickened cell walls and are attached to the inner surface of the sporangium.
Function of Pseudoelaters:
- Pseudoelaters help in the dispersal of spores in Anthoceros.
- When the sporangium is dry, the pseudoelaters are coiled and attached to the inner surface of the sporangium.
- As the sporangium becomes wet due to rain or high humidity, the pseudoelaters absorb water and elongate.
- The elongation of pseudoelaters exerts pressure on the spores, causing them to be forcefully expelled out of the sporangium and into the surroundings.
- This mechanism aids in the dispersal of spores over a wider area, increasing the chances of successful reproduction for the plant.
Conclusion:
Pseudoelaters are unique structures found in the sporangium of Anthoceros, a genus of hornworts. They play a vital role in the dispersal of spores by responding to changes in moisture levels and exerting pressure on the spores to propel them out of the sporangium.
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