question_answer

Spores can be liberated from sporophyte only after the decay of gametophyte in :

A)  Riccia                                   

B)  Funaria

C)  Marchantia                       

D)  Anthoceros

Correct Answer: A

Solution :

                                In Riccia sporophyte is embeded. The spores are formed inside the sporophyte. The spores are dispersed by the decay of surrounding thallus tissue. Spore is the first cell of gametophytic generation. In Funaria the fully developed sporophyte is made of three regions i.e., basal foot, seta and capsule. The spores are formed in the spore sac of capsule. As the capsule matures the thin walled cells including columella dry up, operculum break-away and the spores dispersed with the help of peristomial teeth. In Marchantia the sporophyte is differentiated into foot, seta and capsule. The spore mother cell dividemeiotically and produce haploid spores. In Anthoceros the mature sporophyte is thin elongated structure and consist of distinct foot, intercalary meristematic zone and capsule.