Non-Vascular and Vascular Plants- Module 10 PDF

MODULE 10: NON-VASCULAR AND VASCULAR PLANTS NON-VASCULAR PLANTS Non Vascular Plants are defined as a classification of plants without a vascular system, it is also referred to as lower plants. Nonvascular plants are the earliest form of terrestrial plants, they evolved...

MODULE 10: NON-VASCULAR AND VASCULAR PLANTS NON-VASCULAR PLANTS Non Vascular Plants are defined as a classification of plants without a vascular system, it is also referred to as lower plants. Nonvascular plants are the earliest form of terrestrial plants, they evolved from algae estimated 500 million years ago. Nonvascular plants are distinguished from other classifications of plants including angiosperms, gymnosperms, and ferns because they lack flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves, roots and stems. Mosses, hornworts, and liverworts are nonvascular plants called bryophytes. 1. Bryophytes (Greek word meaning moss plant) The bryophytes are the closest living relatives of the terrestrial plants. The term bryophyte refers to the specific phylum of which mosses are members or which encompasses all nonvascular plants. Although they are within the plant kingdom, these plants lack tracheids, thereby designating them as non - trancheophytes. In terms of taxonomy, there are three clades comprising the bryophytes: liverworts, hornworts and mosses. - First plants to evolve (1. liverworts, 2. hornworts, 3. mosses) - Mostly small and lack vascular tissues - Lack true leaves, seeds, and flowers have hair-like rhizoids instead of roots - Niches in moist habitats but are not very efficient in absorbing water - Depends on moisture to reproduce and disperse - Reproduction is characterized by alteration of generations type of life cycle DIVISION OF BRYOPHYTA Liverworts (Phylum Marchantiophyta/Hepatophyta) These plants abound in moist environments. Their leaves contain cuticles. Analogous to the stomata, some liverworts have gas chambers containing photosynthetic cells, with each chamber having a pore at the top facilitating gas exchange. However, unlike the stomata, these pores cannot close. They are fixed open. They are anchored in substrates through a root-like structure called rhizoid. Reproduction among liverworts can be sexual through the formation of gametangia in umbrella-like structures or asexual through the release of lens-shaped tissues from the gametophytes that eventually form new gametophytes. Hornworts (Phylum Anthocerotophyta) Phylum Anthocerotophyta has sporophytes that resemble tiny green broom handles or horns which are the basis for the group's name. The base of such sporophyte is embedded on gametophyte tissue from where it derives nutrients. Hornworts have a single large chloroplast. Unlike the liverworts, hornworts have true stomata. The life cycle of hornworts is similar to that of liverworts. Flagellated sperms reach the archegonia to fertilize the eggs. The zygotes become a long and slender sporophyte which splits open to release the spores. Cells called psuedoelaters surround the spores and help them propel to new environments. Mosses (Phylum Bryophyta) Mosses have leaflike structures seemingly similar to vascular plants because of the flattened blade and the thickened midrib that runs at the center, But unlike vascular plants, mosses have cells that are haploid and one cell thick. Also, they lack stomata. Like their close relatives liverworts and hornworts, all mosses have rhizoids. Mosses' rhizoids, however, are multicellular. The life cycle of mosses starts with the germination of a haploid spore into a protonema. This thread-like filament eventually grows into a gametophore, a structure differentiated into stems and leaves. From its tip will come the reproductive organs of the mosses. The female organ, archegonia, and the male organ, antheridia, are enclosed by the modified leaves perichaetum and perigonium, respectively. Mosses can be dioecious or monoecious. Sperm from the antheridia swims to the archegonia. Fertilization ensues to produce a diploid sporophyte: This sporophyte then matures into a body with a long stalk called seta and a capsule capped by operculum. Within the capsule, meiosis happens to produce haploid spores. Vascular Plant without Seeds  reproduce by forming spores rather than seeds have specialized vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) can grow larger than bryophytes have leaves that can perform photosynthesis - microphyll - leaf found in lycophytes (contains one vascular strand) - megaphyll - leaf found in all plants except lycophytes (contains multiple vascular strands) DIVISION OF SEEDLESS VASCULAR PLANTS 1.PTERIDOPHYTA This group of plants had lasting evolutionary milestones. These include extant groups clustered together because of common characteristics: the club mosses, the ferns and their allies, and the horsetails. These plants are close relatives of higher plants and grouped together as Tracheophytes. Tracheophytes evolved features such as the vascular tissues allowing transport of important molecules within the plant system. Stem developed, then the roots, while the leaves came later. In some phyla, the seeds are important innovations for reproduction. Three important features were evolved by tracheophytes: 1. Vascular tissue 2. A dominant sporophyte stage which produce diploid spores 3. True roots, leaves, and stems LYCOPHYTES First of the tracheophytes are the club mosses, belonging to the Phylum Lycophyta. These are one of the oldest groups and sister clade to all terrestrial plants. They resemble the mosses but have vascular tissue and dominant sporophyte generation. Leaves of club mosses are microphyllous, a character that distinguishes them from the rest of the plants with megaphyllous leaves. WHISK FERNS The whisk ferns are the simplest of the pterophytes. The sporophytic generation consists mainly of green stems without roots. They are anchored only by rhizoids.  HORSE TAIL Horsetails are grouped together under Family Equisetaceae. The name is derived from the resemblance of branches to horsetails. In these plants, leaves are greatly reduced and usually non-photosynthetic, arranged in whorls, and fused into nodal sheaths. Horsetail sporophytes consists of ribbed, jointed, photosynthetic stems that arise from branching underground rhizomes. There are about 15 living species under a single genus, Equisetum. FERNS The ferns are the most abundant group of seedless vascular plants, with more than 11,000 species. The leaves develop from the stems called rhizomes. Sporangia are distinct in clusters called sorus, typically found underneath the leaves. At maturity, the spores are released, and those landing on suitable environments develop into gametophytes. Unlike seed plants, ferns reproduce by spores. Unlike bryophytes’, ferns’ sporophytes branch and produce many sporangia. The leaves, often called the frond, are photosynthetic. The roots are fibrous. Gymnosperms The gymnosperms are a group of plants that bear seeds that are not enclosed within an ovary or ripened fruit. The seeds develop on many parts of the plant such as the surface of leaves, tips of stalks or, in the case of conifers, some developed cones. The gymnosperms include division coniferophyta, division cycadophyta, division gingkophyta and division genophyta. 1. Division Coniferophyta Phylum Coniferophyta is the largest group among gymnosperms. Morphological features: These cone-bearing seed plants are perennials having secondary growth with strong apical dominance. Their leaves may be comb-like, scale-like or needle-like in appearance. ‘ Reproduction: These are monoecious (both male and female flowers are on the same plant). Seeds develop inside a cone called strobilus. Male cones produce the pollen inside the microsporangia. These pollen are carried to the female cones to enter  a small ovular opening called the micropyle. After fertilization, a zygote develops into an embryo. Around the surrounding integument, the embryo then becomes the seed. Ecological importance: They store carbon and provide habitat and food for animals and other organisms. Pharmaceutical importance: Pine tree (Pinus) Pine is used for upper and lower respiratory tract swelling (inflammation), stuffy nose, hoarseness, common cold, cough or bronchitis, fevers, tendency towards infection, and blood pressure problems. Some people apply pine directly to the skin for mild muscle pain and nerve pain. 2. Division Cycadophyta There are about 100 species under this group. They are known to be slow-growing plants. All known species have a poisonous glycoside called cyacins and a neurotoxin beta-N-methylamino-l-alanine or BMAA. Morphological features: They have an unbranched cylindrical trunk with growing leaves growing directly from it. Leaves form a rosette and are pinnate or bipinnate. Reproduction: Mature cycads produce pollen through the male cones and ovules through the female cones. Once pollinated, the female cones become large seeds covered in an outer layer called sacrotesta. The seeds are then dispersed by insects, birds and bats. Ecological importance: In some eucalypt forests, cycads provide an important source of nitrogen. Pharmaceutical importance: Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) Despite known toxicities, cycad stems and seeds are used for high blood pressure, headaches, congestion, rheumatism and bone pain. Leaves used in the treatment of cancer and hepatoma. Terminal shoots used as astringent and diuretic. 3. Division Gingkophyta  The only living member in this group is Ginkgo biloba. Experts believe that this species remained unchanged since the triassic period. It is said that ginkgo is a pre-angiosperm survival strategy. Morphological features: The vascular system is composed of connective cells with tiny perforations. These valves close during periods of water shortage in order to maintain turgidity in cells. Reproduction: These are dioecious. Male cones grow in clusters while female cones grow at the end of the stalks. The ovule has a drop of fluid called the pollination drop that traps the pollen to enable fertilization. Motile sperms swim to the ovule to produce a two-cotyoledon seed. Ecological importance: Scientists have shown that ginkgo requires little carbon dioxide while producing large amounts of oxygen. This suggests that the ginkgo tree could help urban areas survive climate change. Pharmaceutical importance: Ginkgo (Gingko biloba) It's commonly taken by mouth for memory and thought problems, anxiety, vision problems, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. 4. Division Gnetophyta This division is composed of around 90 species of plants under three families. These are Gnetaceae, Welwitschiaceae, and Ephedraceae. ○ Morphological features: Members of this division have enveloping bracts around the ovules and microsporangia. They also have a micropylar projection of the outer membrane of the ovule. Reproduction: Fertilization happens when tubes from the egg meet the tubes from the pollen. There is double fertilization that occurs however, unlike angiosperms, there is no formation of endosperm. The second fertilized egg disintegrated. Ecological importance:  This group has its own ecological niche in arid and harsh environments. Pharmaceutical importance: African jointfir (Gnetum africanum) The Gnetum leaves are used as a dressing for warts, hemorrhoids, and boils. Angiosperms The angiosperms include all flowering plants. They can be distinguished from the gymnosperms in that they produce endosperms within the seeds that are enclosed in a fruit. They are the most diverse of all land plants. The flowering organ is the main mark of the angiosperm as it contains the reproductive organs of the plant. The monocots and the dicots are the two most familiar groups under the angiosperms. According to molecular analysis, there are 8 basal angiosperms. These groups represent the 8 oldest diverging groups of flowering plants Basal Angiosperms They share the characteristics of both monocots and eudicots. Amborella This genus contains the rare understory shrubs or small trees endemic to the main island Grande Terre. It contains a single species Amborella trichopoda. Molecular analysis places it at the base of the phylogenetic tree of the flowering plant lineage. Ecological Importance: provides valuable insights into the origins and early diversification of angiosperms. Nymphaeaceae This order consists of eight aquatic genera of plants. All species are aquatic herbs with rhizomes and broad leaf base and large obvious flowers. Ecological Importance: They play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems as a habitat for a variety of organisms, including fish, insects, and microorganisms. Pharmaceutical use: Blue Lotus (Nymphaea nouchali)  It is used for treatment of diabetes, inflammation, liver disorders, urinary disorders, menorrhagia, blennorrhagia, menstruation problem, as an aphrodisiac, and as a bitter tonic. Austrobaileyales This group consists of three families of flowering plants: Austrobaileyaceae, Trimeniaceae, and Schisandraceae. Most of them are known for producing essential oils. Ecological Importance They provide habitat and food sources for wildlife such as birds and insects. The relatively simple morphology of these plants may make them less competitive with other types of plants, which could lead to greater biodiversity in areas where they grow. Pharmaceutical Uses: Five-flavor berry (Schisandra chinensis) It is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of natural substances that are believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. Chloranthaceae This group is composed of four extant genera of herbaceous or woody plants. Members have aromatic and opposite evergreen leaves with serrate margins and interpetiolar stipules. The flowers are often inconspicuous. The fruit is drupe-like, consisting of one carpel. Ecological importance: This group plays an important role in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. Their aromatic compounds provide food and shelter for a variety of insect and animal species. They can also serve as indicators of habitat quality, as they are sensitive to changes in their environment. Pharmaceutical use: Bone-knitted lotus (Sarcandra glabra) This plant has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-thrombocytopenia properties.  Magnoliids This group is represented by the magnolias: tall trees bearing large, fragrant flowers that have many parts and are considered archaic (very old fashioned). Ecological importance: Many organisms (including various butterfly and beetle groups) are highly dependent on this group for feeding or reproduction, which is an important part of the forest ecosystem Pharmaceutical uses: Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) It is used in piles, heart disease, worm infestation, thirst, dryness of the mouth, and diseases of the oral cavity, sinusitis, and vata roga diseases. Monocots They are primarily identified by the presence of a single cotyledon in the seedling. It includes veins that run parallel to the length of the leaves. They have scattered vascular bundles in the stem and an adventitious root system. Ceratophyllaceae Mostly found in ponds, marshes, and streams, this group consists of about 30 species that can reach about 1-3 meters in length. Eudicots They are characterized by the presence of two cotyledons in the developing shoot. True dicots are characterized by the presence of two cotyledons in the developing shoot. Most eudicots produce pollen that is trisulcate or triporate, with three furrows or pores. All angiosperms share the following characteristics: 1. Their ovules are enclosed within a carpel. 2. Double fertilization takes place leading to the formation of an endosperm. 3. Stamen has two pairs of pollen sacs. 4. Features of gametophyte structure and development are present. 5. Phloem tissue is composed of sieve tubes and companion cells. References: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8158490/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B0123485304004574 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031942224000384 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338526795_Beauty_For_Health_-Cikas_Revoluta Roston, E. (2009). Survivor. In The Carbon Age: How Life's Core Element Has Become Civilization's Greatest Threat. Walker. https://www.conservationmagazine.org/2009/11/survivor-essay/. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-333/ginkgo https://www.botanicohub.com/plant-families/nymphaeaceae https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3255414/ https://www.botanicohub.com/plant-families/austrobaileyaceae https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-376/schisandra https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25887386/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cinnamomum-verum https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2010.0327 Morphology - Definition and Meaning - BYJU'SBYJU'Shttps://byjus.com › Biology › Biology Article Reproductive systems and evolution in vascular plants - PNASPNAShttps://www.pnas.org › doi › pnas.97.13.7037 Nonvascular Plants | Characteristics & Examples - LessonStudy.comhttps://study.com ›... › Supplemental Science: Study Aid Evolution of vascular plants through redeployment of ancient...PNAShttps://www.pnas.org › doi › pnas.1912470117 Nonvascular PlantsCK-12 Foundationhttps://flexbooks.ck12.org › section › primary › lesson