Non-Vascular Plants Overview

Questions and Answers

Which feature distinguishes Bryophyta from Thallophyta?

Thallophyta possess vascular tissues.

Thallophyta are exclusively multicellular.

Bryophyta have differentiated stems and leaves. (correct)

Bryophyta have true roots.

What is the primary reason Thallophyta and Bryophyta are categorized as NON-VASCULAR plants?

They consist solely of single-celled organisms.

They lack specialized tissues for material transport. (correct)

They lack flowers in their structure.

They do not reproduce using seeds.

Which group of plants is classified under Gymnosperms?

Mosses

Liverworts

Cycads (correct)

Ferns

How are Angiosperms further divided?

By the number of cotyledons in their embryos. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Pteridophyta?

They possess true roots, stems, and leaves. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Cryptogams is correct?

They are characterized by the absence of seeds. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a coenobial form of cellular organization?

Cells are united by mucilage in a fixed arrangement. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes aggregations of cells?

They consist of cells that can increase in number. Signup and view all the answers

How does a coenobium differ from the palmelloid form of aggregation?

A coenobium does not undergo vegetative division, unlike palmelloid. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of dendroid colonies?

They have a tree-like structure supported by mucilage. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about coenobial and aggregation structures is accurate?

Aggregation structures undergo vegetative division and growth. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of cellular organization, what is unique about the rhizopodial form of aggregation?

It consists of variable numbers of amoeboid cells. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes chloroplasts from chromatophores in algal cells?

Chloroplasts have chlorophyll b, while chromatophores do not. Signup and view all the answers

Where are chloroplasts termed 'parietal' in a cell?

Located towards the periphery of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the body of an alga?

Thallus. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following classifications does NOT include unicellular forms of algae?

Chlorophyta. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of morphological diversity, which of the following does NOT represent a form of algae?

Spherical. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of flagellated solitary cells in algae?

They are believed to be primitive and ancestral forms. Signup and view all the answers

What feature distinguishes discoid chloroplasts in archegonate plants from other types of chloroplasts?

They are numerous in quantity within the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What pigment types are primarily associated with chromatophores in algae?

Carotenoids with other pigments. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of filamentous forms?

They are arranged in linear rows sharing common cross walls. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes uniseriate filaments from multiseriate filaments?

Uniseriate filaments consist of a single series of cells. Signup and view all the answers

What defines heterotrichous filaments?

They have a system of branching that is both prostrate and erect. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true about pseudoparenchymatous thalli?

They form a compact mass making it difficult to see individual branches. Signup and view all the answers

What describes siphonaceous forms?

They are characterized by multinucleate thalli without cellular separation. Signup and view all the answers

In filamentous forms, what are plasmodesmata?

They are connections that extend through cross walls. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Divisions of the Plant Kingdom

The Plant Kingdom consists of two primary groups: Cryptogams (flowerless or seedless plants) and Phanerogams (flowering or seed-bearing plants), also known as Spermatophyta.

Cryptogams

Divided into three main groups: Thallophyta, Bryophyta, and Pteridophyta.

Thallophyta

Composed of undifferentiated thallus; lacks roots, stems, or leaves.
Consists of single-celled or simple multicellular organisms.
Includes organisms like Algae and Fungi.

Bryophyta

Simple plants featuring stems and leaves, but do not possess true roots.
Common examples include Mosses and Liverworts.

Pteridophyta

Possess true roots, stems, leaves, and a vascular system, yet do not flower.
Primarily include Ferns and their related species.

Phanerogams (Spermatophyta)

Characterized by the presence of flowers that produce seeds.
Comprised of two categories: Gymnosperms (naked-seeded plants, e.g., Cycads and Conifers) and Angiosperms (closed-seeded plants).

Angiosperms

Further categorized into Dicotyledons, which have embryos with two cotyledons, and Monocotyledons, having embryos with one cotyledon.

Non-Vascular and Vascular Plants

Thallophyta (Fungi and Algae) and Bryophyta are classified as non-vascular due to the absence of specialized internal tissues (xylem and phloem) required for transporting water, minerals, and food within the plant.
Pteridophyta, Gymnospermae, and Angiospermae are considered vascular (or tracheophytes) as they contain specialized vascular tissues (phloem and xylem) in most of their organs.

Cell Structure in Algae

Algal cell structure features uniformity throughout various divisions.
Chloroplasts are present in Chlorophyta, while chromatophores are present in other groups.
The term "chloroplast" applies to algae with chlorophylls a and b, similar to higher plants.
"Chromatophore" refers to algae lacking chlorophyll b but having excess carotenoids.
Chloroplast positioning is crucial:
- Parietal—towards the cell’s periphery.
- Axial—towards the cell’s center.
Pyrenoid is a notable feature within chloroplasts, often associated with stored products.

Morphologic Diversity of Algae

Algae exhibit a range of forms categorized as thallus—can be unicellular, colonial, filamentous, siphonaceous, or complex parenchymatous.

Unicellular Forms

Unicellular algae exist in all groups except Rhodophyta and Phaeophyta; these may produce unicellular stages during their lifecycle.
Types include:
- Motile (flagellated),
- Non-motile (coccoid),
- Amoeba-like forms.
Flagellated solitary cells are primitive and believed to be the origin of other types, varying in flagella number and arrangement.

Multicellular Forms

Colonial Forms

Colonial structures arise from cells not separating after division.
Coenobial:
- Cells are embedded in a mucilaginous matrix.
- Consist of a defined colony with consistent size and shape; no vegetative division occurs after formation.
Aggregations:
- Are variable in size and shape, with vegetative division allowing cell number to increase.
- Common forms include:
  - Palmelloid—embedded in irregular mucilage,
  - Dendroid—tree-like structure formed by localized mucilage production,
  - Rhizopodial—amoeboid cells connected by cytoplasmic processes.

Filamentous Forms

Characterized by vertical cell division with linear arrangements.
Types:
- Uniseriate—single series of cells.
- Multiseriate—multiple series, maintaining a thread-like appearance.
Filaments can be branched or unbranched; more complex varieties may differentiate between branches.
Heterotrichous filaments display two systems: prostrate (attached) and erect (free) branches.
Pseudoparenchymatous thalli form compact masses that obscure individual branches.

Siphonaceous Forms

Thalli are multinucleate with no cell divisions, except for reproductive structures.
Considered acellular rather than unicellular.
Often elaborate in structure.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the divisions of the plant kingdom, focusing on non-vascular plants, also known as cryptogams. Learn about the characteristics and classifications of Thallophyta, Bryophyta, and Pteridophyta. Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of plant biology and the distinctions between flowerless and flowering plants.