Diversity of bryophytes

Bryophytes are an informal division that consists of 3 groups of non-

vascular plants, namely mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. Prominent
bryophyte characteristics are the absence of true roots stems and leaves.
Furthermore, rhizoids perform the function of roots, essentially anchoring
the plants to the surface. However, rhizoids do not absorb nutrients like
traditional plant roots.

An environment high in moisture or proximity to a water body is essential

for mosses to grow and spread. However, some species of mosses are also
known to survive in arid and semi-arid environments like deserts.
 Sporophyte Characteristics of the three groups of
Bryophytes
Liverworts Mosses Hornworts

Capsule form Simple Differentiated (operculum, peristome) Elongated

Columella Absent Present Present

Dehiscence Longitudinal or irregular Transverse Longitudinal

Dispersion of spores Elaters Peristome teeth Pseudo-elaters

Growth Defined Defined Continuous

Maturation of spores Simultaneous Simultaneous Graduate

Persistence Ephemeral Persistent Persistent

Seta Present Present Absent

Stomata Absent Present Present

Structure Small, without chlorophyll Large, with chlorophyll Large, with chlorophyll
Moss: life cycle
The life cycle of most mosses begins with the release
of spores from a capsule, which opens when a small,
lidlike structure, called the operculum, degenerates.
A single spore germinates to form a branched,
filamentous protonema, from which a leafy
gametophyte develops. The gametophyte bears
organs for sexual reproduction. Sperm, which are
released by the mature antheridium (the male
reproductive organ), are attracted into the neck of an
archegonium (the female reproductive organ). Here,
one sperm fuses with the egg to produce the zygote.
After cell division, the zygote becomes the
sporophyte, and, at the same time, the archegonium
divides to form the protective calyptra. The
sporophyte usually consists of a capsule and a seta.
Asexual reproduction occurs within the capsule and
the whole process may begin again.
Liverworts
Liverworts are viewed as the plants most closely related to the ancestor that
moved to land. Liverworts have colonized every terrestrial habitat on earth
and diversified to more than 7000 existing species. Liverwort gametophytes
(the dominant stage of the life cycle) form lobate green structures. The
shape of these leaves are similar to the lobes of the liver; hence, providing
the origin of the name given to the phylum. Openings that allow the
movement of gases may be observed in liverworts. However, these are not
stomata because they do not actively open and close. The plant takes up
water over its entire surface and has no cuticle to prevent desiccation.
The liverwort’s life cycle begins with the release of
haploid spores from the sporangium that developed on
the sporophyte. Spores disseminated by wind or water
germinate into flattened thalli gametophytes attached to
the substrate by thin, single-celled filaments. Male and
female gametangia develop on separate, individual
plants. Once released, male gametes swim with the aid
of their flagella to the female gametangium (the
archegonium), and fertilization ensues. The zygote grows
into a small sporophyte still attached to the parent
gametophyte and develops spore-producing cells and
elaters. The spore-producing cells undergo meiosis to
form spores, which disperse (with the help of elaters),
giving rise to new gametophytes. Thus, the life cycle of
liverworts follows the pattern of alternation of
Liverwort plants can also reproduce
asexually by the breaking of branches or
the spreading of leaf fragments called
gemmae. In this latter type of
reproduction, the gemmae (small, intact,
complete pieces of plant that are
produced in a cup on the surface of the
thallus ) are splashed out of the cup by
raindrops. The gemmae then land nearby
and develop into gametophytes.
Liverwort Life Cycle
Hornworts life cycle
Hornworts
The hornworts belong to the broad bryophyte group that have
colonized a variety of habitats on land, although they are
never far from a source of moisture. The short, blue-green
gametophyte is the dominant phase of the lifecycle of a
hornwort. The narrow, pipe-like sporophyte is the defining
characteristic of the group. The sporophytes emerge from the
parent gametophyte and continue to grow throughout the life
of the plant. Stomata appear in the hornworts and are
abundant on the sporophyte. Photosynthetic cells in the
thallus contain a single chloroplast. Meristem cells at the
base of the plant keep dividing and adding to its height. Many
hornworts establish symbiotic relationships with
cyanobacteria that fix nitrogen from the environment.
The life cycle of hornworts also follows the general pattern of
alternation of generations and has a similar life cycle to liverworts.
The gametophytes grow as flat thalli on the soil with embedded
gametangia. Flagellated sperm swim to the archegonia and fertilize
eggs. However, unlike liverworts, the zygote develops into a long
and slender sporophyte that eventually splits open, releasing
spores. Additionally, thin cells called pseudoelaters surround the
spores and help propel them further in the environment. Unlike the
elaters observed in liverworts, the hornwort pseudoelaters are
single-celled structures. The haploid spores germinate and produce
the next generation of gametophytes. Like liverworts, some
hornworts may also produce asexually through fragmentation.