Liverworts - 1
Related Keywords
moist, shady habitats such as banks of streams, marshy ground, damp soil, bark of trees and deep in the woods
plant body of a liverwort
thalloid
Marchantia
dorsiventral
closely appressed to the substrate
tiny leaf-like appendages
stem-like structures
Asexual reproduction
by fragmentation of thalli
by the formation of specialised structures
gemmae (sing. gemma)
green, multicellular, asexual buds
small receptacles
gemma cups
located on the thalli
gemmae become detached
germinate to form new individuals
sexual reproduction
male and female sex organs
either on the same or on different thalli
sporophyte is differentiated into
a foot, seta and capsule
After meiosis
spores are produced
within the capsule
spores germinate to form
free-living gametophytes
1
Where do liverworts usually grow?
Practice
A
In dry, hot and exposed desert regions
B
In moist and shady habitats such as banks of streams, marshy ground, damp soil, tree bark and deep woods
C
Only in deep marine waters and oceans
D
Only in open grasslands exposed to direct sunlight
✅ Show Answer
✔ Correct Answer:
B
(In moist and shady habitats such as banks of streams, marshy ground, damp soil, tree bark and deep woods)
💡 Explanation
Liverworts: Dictionary meaning — small non-vascular plants belonging to the bryophyte group, commonly occurring in moist habitats.
Explanation — Liverworts usually grow in moist and shady habitats such as stream banks, marshy ground, damp soil, the bark of trees and deep forest areas.
Moist habitats: Dictionary meaning — environments containing sufficient water or moisture for organisms to grow and survive.
Explanation — Liverworts require moist conditions for growth and reproduction, so they are commonly found in damp soil, marshes and other moisture-rich locations.
Shady habitats: Dictionary meaning — places that receive little direct sunlight because they are protected by vegetation or other structures.
Explanation — Liverworts commonly grow in shaded environments where reduced exposure to direct sunlight helps maintain moisture.
Marshy ground: Dictionary meaning — wet, waterlogged land dominated by grasses and other moisture-loving vegetation.
Explanation — Marshy areas provide the high moisture conditions that favour the growth of liverworts.
Given Statement - Liverworts usually grow in moist, shady habitats such as banks of streams, marshy ground, damp soil, bark of trees and deep in the woods.
Explanation — Liverworts usually grow in moist and shady habitats such as stream banks, marshy ground, damp soil, the bark of trees and deep forest areas.
Moist habitats: Dictionary meaning — environments containing sufficient water or moisture for organisms to grow and survive.
Explanation — Liverworts require moist conditions for growth and reproduction, so they are commonly found in damp soil, marshes and other moisture-rich locations.
Shady habitats: Dictionary meaning — places that receive little direct sunlight because they are protected by vegetation or other structures.
Explanation — Liverworts commonly grow in shaded environments where reduced exposure to direct sunlight helps maintain moisture.
Marshy ground: Dictionary meaning — wet, waterlogged land dominated by grasses and other moisture-loving vegetation.
Explanation — Marshy areas provide the high moisture conditions that favour the growth of liverworts.
Given Statement - Liverworts usually grow in moist, shady habitats such as banks of streams, marshy ground, damp soil, bark of trees and deep in the woods.
🎯 Conclusion
Liverworts generally prefer moist and shaded environments because these conditions provide the water and protection needed for their growth and reproduction. They can commonly be found along stream banks, in marshy areas, on damp soil, over tree bark and deep inside forests where humidity remains relatively high.
2
Which of the following correctly describes the plant body of a liverwort?
Practice
A
It is thalloid, as seen in Marchantia
B
It is differentiated into true roots, stems and leaves
C
It is always filamentous, as seen in Spirogyra
D
It is a vascular plant body with true leaves
✅ Show Answer
✔ Correct Answer:
A
(It is thalloid, as seen in Marchantia)
💡 Explanation
Liverworts: Dictionary meaning — small non-vascular plants belonging to the bryophyte group, commonly having a thalloid or leafy plant body.
Explanation — The plant body of many liverworts is thalloid, meaning it is a flat, undifferentiated structure that is not divided into true roots, stems and leaves. Marchantia is a common example.
Thalloid: Dictionary meaning — having a simple plant body called a thallus that is not differentiated into true roots, stems and leaves.
Explanation — In thalloid liverworts, the plant body is generally flat, green and dorsiventral, with distinct upper and lower surfaces.
Marchantia: Dictionary meaning — a genus of liverworts belonging to the bryophytes.
Explanation — Marchantia is a well-known example of a thalloid liverwort. Its plant body is flat, lobed and grows close to the substratum.
Thallus: Dictionary meaning — a relatively simple plant body that is not differentiated into true roots, stems and leaves.
Explanation — The thallus of Marchantia performs functions such as photosynthesis and growth and is attached to the substratum by rhizoids.
Given Statement - The plant body of a liverwort is thalloid, e.g., Marchantia.
Explanation — The plant body of many liverworts is thalloid, meaning it is a flat, undifferentiated structure that is not divided into true roots, stems and leaves. Marchantia is a common example.
Thalloid: Dictionary meaning — having a simple plant body called a thallus that is not differentiated into true roots, stems and leaves.
Explanation — In thalloid liverworts, the plant body is generally flat, green and dorsiventral, with distinct upper and lower surfaces.
Marchantia: Dictionary meaning — a genus of liverworts belonging to the bryophytes.
Explanation — Marchantia is a well-known example of a thalloid liverwort. Its plant body is flat, lobed and grows close to the substratum.
Thallus: Dictionary meaning — a relatively simple plant body that is not differentiated into true roots, stems and leaves.
Explanation — The thallus of Marchantia performs functions such as photosynthesis and growth and is attached to the substratum by rhizoids.
Given Statement - The plant body of a liverwort is thalloid, e.g., Marchantia.
🎯 Conclusion
The plant body of a liverwort such as Marchantia is thalloid, meaning it forms a simple, flat and undifferentiated structure rather than true roots, stems and leaves. Marchantia is a typical example of a thalloid liverwort and commonly grows in moist, shaded habitats attached to the substratum by rhizoids.
3
Which of the following correctly describes the thallus of a liverwort such as Marchantia?
Practice
A
The thallus is dorsiventral and closely appressed to the substrate
B
The thallus is radial and floats freely on water
C
The thallus is cylindrical and grows deep inside the soil
D
The thallus is highly vascular and stands upright from the substrate
✅ Show Answer
✔ Correct Answer:
A
(The thallus is dorsiventral and closely appressed to the substrate)
💡 Explanation
Thallus: Dictionary meaning — a simple plant body that is not differentiated into true roots, stems and leaves.
Explanation — In liverworts such as Marchantia, the thallus is a flat, green structure that performs photosynthesis and remains closely attached to the substrate.
Dorsiventral: Dictionary meaning — having distinct upper (dorsal) and lower (ventral) surfaces that differ in structure or function.
Explanation — The thallus of Marchantia is dorsiventral, with a distinct upper surface exposed to light and a lower surface in contact with the substrate.
Appressed: Dictionary meaning — pressed closely against or lying very close to a surface.
Explanation — The thallus is closely appressed to the substrate, meaning it grows close to and spreads along the surface rather than standing upright.
Substrate: Dictionary meaning — the surface or material on which an organism grows or is attached.
Explanation — The substrate for liverworts may include moist soil, rocks or other surfaces. The thallus remains closely attached to it for support.
Marchantia: Dictionary meaning — a genus of thalloid liverworts belonging to the bryophytes.
Explanation — Marchantia has a characteristic flat, dorsiventral thallus that is closely appressed to the substrate and is commonly found in moist, shady habitats.
Given Statement - The thallus of a liverwort is dorsiventral and closely appressed to the substrate.
Explanation — In liverworts such as Marchantia, the thallus is a flat, green structure that performs photosynthesis and remains closely attached to the substrate.
Dorsiventral: Dictionary meaning — having distinct upper (dorsal) and lower (ventral) surfaces that differ in structure or function.
Explanation — The thallus of Marchantia is dorsiventral, with a distinct upper surface exposed to light and a lower surface in contact with the substrate.
Appressed: Dictionary meaning — pressed closely against or lying very close to a surface.
Explanation — The thallus is closely appressed to the substrate, meaning it grows close to and spreads along the surface rather than standing upright.
Substrate: Dictionary meaning — the surface or material on which an organism grows or is attached.
Explanation — The substrate for liverworts may include moist soil, rocks or other surfaces. The thallus remains closely attached to it for support.
Marchantia: Dictionary meaning — a genus of thalloid liverworts belonging to the bryophytes.
Explanation — Marchantia has a characteristic flat, dorsiventral thallus that is closely appressed to the substrate and is commonly found in moist, shady habitats.
Given Statement - The thallus of a liverwort is dorsiventral and closely appressed to the substrate.
🎯 Conclusion
The thallus of liverworts such as Marchantia is dorsiventral, meaning it has distinct upper and lower surfaces. It is also closely appressed to the substrate, growing flat against the surface. This structure helps the plant remain attached and allows the upper surface to receive light for photosynthesis.
4
How are the leaf-like structures arranged in leafy liverworts?
Practice
A
They are arranged in two rows on stem-like structures
B
They are arranged in four rows around true stems
C
They are arranged randomly on true roots
D
They are arranged in a single row on underground roots
✅ Show Answer
✔ Correct Answer:
A
(They are arranged in two rows on stem-like structures)
💡 Explanation
Leafy liverworts: Dictionary meaning — liverworts that have a leafy plant body with leaf-like appendages arranged on stem-like structures.
Explanation — In leafy liverworts, the plant body has stem-like structures bearing tiny leaf-like appendages. These appendages are commonly arranged in two rows.
Leaf-like appendages: Dictionary meaning — small structures resembling leaves but lacking the complete organisation of true leaves.
Explanation — The leafy members of liverworts possess tiny leaf-like appendages that are attached to stem-like structures and help form the leafy appearance of the plant body.
Stem-like structures: Dictionary meaning — structures resembling stems but lacking the organisation of true vascular stems.
Explanation — These structures form the main axis of leafy liverworts and bear the small leaf-like appendages.
Two rows: Dictionary meaning — an arrangement in which structures are positioned in two distinct lines or series.
Explanation — In leafy liverworts, the tiny leaf-like appendages are arranged in two rows along the stem-like structures.
Given Statement - The leafy members of liverworts have tiny leaf-like appendages in two rows on the stem-like structures.
Explanation — In leafy liverworts, the plant body has stem-like structures bearing tiny leaf-like appendages. These appendages are commonly arranged in two rows.
Leaf-like appendages: Dictionary meaning — small structures resembling leaves but lacking the complete organisation of true leaves.
Explanation — The leafy members of liverworts possess tiny leaf-like appendages that are attached to stem-like structures and help form the leafy appearance of the plant body.
Stem-like structures: Dictionary meaning — structures resembling stems but lacking the organisation of true vascular stems.
Explanation — These structures form the main axis of leafy liverworts and bear the small leaf-like appendages.
Two rows: Dictionary meaning — an arrangement in which structures are positioned in two distinct lines or series.
Explanation — In leafy liverworts, the tiny leaf-like appendages are arranged in two rows along the stem-like structures.
Given Statement - The leafy members of liverworts have tiny leaf-like appendages in two rows on the stem-like structures.
🎯 Conclusion
Leafy liverworts have a plant body consisting of stem-like structures that bear tiny leaf-like appendages. These appendages are arranged in two rows along the stem-like structures. Although they resemble leaves, they are not true leaves because liverworts are non-vascular plants and lack true roots, stems and leaves.
5
How does asexual reproduction take place in liverworts?
Practice
A
Only by formation of seeds
B
By fragmentation of thalli or by formation of specialised structures called gemmae
C
Only by fusion of male and female gametes
D
By formation of flowers and fruits
✅ Show Answer
✔ Correct Answer:
B
(By fragmentation of thalli or by formation of specialised structures called gemmae)
💡 Explanation
Liverworts: Dictionary meaning — small non-vascular plants belonging to the bryophyte group.
Explanation — Liverworts can reproduce asexually by fragmentation of the thallus or by producing specialised structures called gemmae.
Asexual reproduction: Dictionary meaning — reproduction that occurs without the fusion of male and female gametes.
Explanation — In liverworts, asexual reproduction can occur through fragmentation or gemmae formation, allowing new plants to develop without fertilisation.
Fragmentation: Dictionary meaning — a method of reproduction in which a part of an organism separates and develops into a new individual.
Explanation — When the thallus of a liverwort breaks into pieces, suitable fragments can grow into new independent gametophytes.
Gemmae: Dictionary meaning — small specialised multicellular structures that can detach from the parent plant and develop into new individuals.
Explanation — Gemmae are specialised asexual reproductive structures produced by some liverworts. They can detach from the parent thallus and develop into new plants.
Thallus: Dictionary meaning — a simple plant body that is not differentiated into true roots, stems and leaves.
Explanation — In thalloid liverworts, fragmentation of the thallus provides a simple means of asexual reproduction.
Given Statement - Asexual reproduction in liverworts takes place by fragmentation of thalli, or by the formation of specialised structures called gemmae.
Explanation — Liverworts can reproduce asexually by fragmentation of the thallus or by producing specialised structures called gemmae.
Asexual reproduction: Dictionary meaning — reproduction that occurs without the fusion of male and female gametes.
Explanation — In liverworts, asexual reproduction can occur through fragmentation or gemmae formation, allowing new plants to develop without fertilisation.
Fragmentation: Dictionary meaning — a method of reproduction in which a part of an organism separates and develops into a new individual.
Explanation — When the thallus of a liverwort breaks into pieces, suitable fragments can grow into new independent gametophytes.
Gemmae: Dictionary meaning — small specialised multicellular structures that can detach from the parent plant and develop into new individuals.
Explanation — Gemmae are specialised asexual reproductive structures produced by some liverworts. They can detach from the parent thallus and develop into new plants.
Thallus: Dictionary meaning — a simple plant body that is not differentiated into true roots, stems and leaves.
Explanation — In thalloid liverworts, fragmentation of the thallus provides a simple means of asexual reproduction.
Given Statement - Asexual reproduction in liverworts takes place by fragmentation of thalli, or by the formation of specialised structures called gemmae.
🎯 Conclusion
Liverworts reproduce asexually mainly by fragmentation of the thallus or through specialised structures called gemmae. When a thallus fragment or gemma separates from the parent plant and reaches a suitable environment, it can grow into a new gametophyte. Thus, asexual reproduction allows liverworts to multiply without fertilisation.
6
Which of the following correctly describes gemmae in liverworts?
Practice
A
They are colourless, unicellular sexual organs found inside archegonia
B
They are green, multicellular, asexual buds that develop in gemma cups on the thalli
C
They are diploid spores produced inside antheridia
D
They are non-living structures found only on the roots of liverworts
✅ Show Answer
✔ Correct Answer:
B
(They are green, multicellular, asexual buds that develop in gemma cups on the thalli)
💡 Explanation
Gemmae: Dictionary meaning — small, green, multicellular asexual buds that can develop into new individuals.
Explanation — In liverworts such as Marchantia, gemmae are specialised asexual reproductive structures that develop in gemma cups on the thallus. When detached, they can grow into new gametophytes.
Gemma cups: Dictionary meaning — small cup-like structures on the thallus that contain and produce gemmae.
Explanation — Gemma cups are specialised receptacles located on the thalli of some liverworts. They contain green multicellular gemmae that can be dispersed and develop into new plants.
Asexual buds: Dictionary meaning — buds that can develop into new individuals without the fusion of male and female gametes.
Explanation — Gemmae are asexual buds, so their development into new plants does not involve fertilisation or the fusion of gametes.
Thallus: Dictionary meaning — a simple plant body that is not differentiated into true roots, stems and leaves.
Explanation — In liverworts, gemma cups are located on the thallus, and the gemmae developing inside them contribute to asexual reproduction.
Given Statement - Gemmae are green, multicellular, asexual buds that develop in small receptacles called gemma cups located on the thalli.
Explanation — In liverworts such as Marchantia, gemmae are specialised asexual reproductive structures that develop in gemma cups on the thallus. When detached, they can grow into new gametophytes.
Gemma cups: Dictionary meaning — small cup-like structures on the thallus that contain and produce gemmae.
Explanation — Gemma cups are specialised receptacles located on the thalli of some liverworts. They contain green multicellular gemmae that can be dispersed and develop into new plants.
Asexual buds: Dictionary meaning — buds that can develop into new individuals without the fusion of male and female gametes.
Explanation — Gemmae are asexual buds, so their development into new plants does not involve fertilisation or the fusion of gametes.
Thallus: Dictionary meaning — a simple plant body that is not differentiated into true roots, stems and leaves.
Explanation — In liverworts, gemma cups are located on the thallus, and the gemmae developing inside them contribute to asexual reproduction.
Given Statement - Gemmae are green, multicellular, asexual buds that develop in small receptacles called gemma cups located on the thalli.
🎯 Conclusion
Gemmae are specialised green, multicellular buds involved in asexual reproduction in liverworts. They develop inside small cup-like structures called gemma cups, which are present on the thallus. When gemmae are released from these cups and reach suitable conditions, they can develop into new gametophytes without requiring fertilisation.
7
What happens to the gemmae of liverworts after they become detached from the parent body?
Practice
A
They fuse with gametes to form a zygote
B
They germinate to form new individuals
C
They undergo meiosis to produce spores
D
They develop into flowers and fruits
✅ Show Answer
✔ Correct Answer:
B
(They germinate to form new individuals)
💡 Explanation
Gemmae: Dictionary meaning — small, green, multicellular asexual buds that can develop into new individuals.
Explanation — In liverworts, gemmae become detached from the parent thallus and, under suitable conditions, germinate to form new individuals.
Detachment: Dictionary meaning — the process of becoming separated from the parent structure.
Explanation — Gemmae are released from the parent plant, particularly from gemma cups, and become independent reproductive units capable of developing into new plants.
Germination: Dictionary meaning — the process by which a spore, seed or reproductive structure begins to grow and develop into a new organism.
Explanation — After detachment, suitable gemmae germinate and develop into new haploid gametophytes.
Asexual reproduction: Dictionary meaning — reproduction that occurs without the fusion of male and female gametes.
Explanation — Gemmae provide a method of asexual reproduction in liverworts because new individuals develop directly from the gemmae without fertilisation.
Parent body: Dictionary meaning — the original organism from which a new individual or reproductive structure develops.
Explanation — Gemmae develop on the parent thallus and later become detached from it before germinating into new individuals.
Given Statement - The gemmae become detached from the parent body and germinate to form new individuals.
Explanation — In liverworts, gemmae become detached from the parent thallus and, under suitable conditions, germinate to form new individuals.
Detachment: Dictionary meaning — the process of becoming separated from the parent structure.
Explanation — Gemmae are released from the parent plant, particularly from gemma cups, and become independent reproductive units capable of developing into new plants.
Germination: Dictionary meaning — the process by which a spore, seed or reproductive structure begins to grow and develop into a new organism.
Explanation — After detachment, suitable gemmae germinate and develop into new haploid gametophytes.
Asexual reproduction: Dictionary meaning — reproduction that occurs without the fusion of male and female gametes.
Explanation — Gemmae provide a method of asexual reproduction in liverworts because new individuals develop directly from the gemmae without fertilisation.
Parent body: Dictionary meaning — the original organism from which a new individual or reproductive structure develops.
Explanation — Gemmae develop on the parent thallus and later become detached from it before germinating into new individuals.
Given Statement - The gemmae become detached from the parent body and germinate to form new individuals.
🎯 Conclusion
Gemmae provide an efficient method of asexual reproduction in liverworts. They develop on the parent thallus, become detached and are dispersed to suitable locations. When favourable conditions are available, the detached gemmae germinate and grow into new haploid gametophytes, producing individuals genetically similar to the parent plant.
8
During sexual reproduction in liverworts, where are the male and female sex organs produced?
Practice
A
They are always produced on the same thallus
B
They are always produced on different thalli
C
They may be produced on the same or on different thalli
D
They are produced only on the sporophyte
✅ Show Answer
✔ Correct Answer:
C
(They may be produced on the same or on different thalli)
💡 Explanation
Liverworts: Dictionary meaning — small non-vascular plants belonging to the bryophyte group, commonly having thalloid or leafy gametophytes.
Explanation — During sexual reproduction, liverworts produce male and female sex organs. Depending on the species, these may occur on the same thallus or on different thalli.
Sexual reproduction: Dictionary meaning — reproduction involving the formation and fusion of male and female gametes.
Explanation — In liverworts, sexual reproduction involves the production of male and female sex organs, followed by the fusion of the gametes to form a zygote.
Sex organs: Dictionary meaning — reproductive structures that produce or contain the gametes involved in sexual reproduction.
Explanation — The male sex organ is the antheridium, while the female sex organ is the archegonium. They may occur on the same or different thalli depending on the species.
Thallus: Dictionary meaning — a simple plant body that is not differentiated into true roots, stems and leaves.
Explanation — In thalloid liverworts, the sex organs are borne on the gametophytic thalli. A species may have both types of sex organs on one thallus or on separate thalli.
Given Statement - During sexual reproduction, male and female sex organs are produced either on the same or on different thalli.
Explanation — During sexual reproduction, liverworts produce male and female sex organs. Depending on the species, these may occur on the same thallus or on different thalli.
Sexual reproduction: Dictionary meaning — reproduction involving the formation and fusion of male and female gametes.
Explanation — In liverworts, sexual reproduction involves the production of male and female sex organs, followed by the fusion of the gametes to form a zygote.
Sex organs: Dictionary meaning — reproductive structures that produce or contain the gametes involved in sexual reproduction.
Explanation — The male sex organ is the antheridium, while the female sex organ is the archegonium. They may occur on the same or different thalli depending on the species.
Thallus: Dictionary meaning — a simple plant body that is not differentiated into true roots, stems and leaves.
Explanation — In thalloid liverworts, the sex organs are borne on the gametophytic thalli. A species may have both types of sex organs on one thallus or on separate thalli.
Given Statement - During sexual reproduction, male and female sex organs are produced either on the same or on different thalli.
🎯 Conclusion
In liverworts, the male and female sex organs are produced on the haploid gametophyte during sexual reproduction. Depending on the species, both types of sex organs may occur on the same thallus, or they may be present on different thalli. The sex organs produce gametes that ultimately participate in fertilisation.
9
Into which parts is the sporophyte of liverworts differentiated?
Practice
A
Rhizoid, stem and leaf
B
Foot, seta and capsule
C
Antheridium, archegonium and zygote
D
Thallus, gemma cup and gemma
✅ Show Answer
✔ Correct Answer:
B
(Foot, seta and capsule)
💡 Explanation
Sporophyte: Dictionary meaning — the diploid generation of a plant that develops from the zygote and produces spores.
Explanation — In liverworts, the sporophyte develops from the zygote and is differentiated into three main parts: foot, seta and capsule.
Foot: Dictionary meaning — the basal part of the sporophyte that remains embedded in or attached to the gametophyte.
Explanation — The foot anchors the sporophyte to the gametophyte and helps absorb nourishment from the gametophytic tissue.
Seta: Dictionary meaning — the stalk-like structure that connects the foot with the capsule in a sporophyte.
Explanation — The seta supports and elevates the capsule, helping in the effective release and dispersal of spores.
Capsule: Dictionary meaning — the spore-producing part of the sporophyte.
Explanation — The capsule contains spore-producing cells. These cells undergo meiosis to produce haploid spores, which later develop into gametophytes.
Given Statement - The sporophyte of liverworts is differentiated into a foot, seta and capsule.
Explanation — In liverworts, the sporophyte develops from the zygote and is differentiated into three main parts: foot, seta and capsule.
Foot: Dictionary meaning — the basal part of the sporophyte that remains embedded in or attached to the gametophyte.
Explanation — The foot anchors the sporophyte to the gametophyte and helps absorb nourishment from the gametophytic tissue.
Seta: Dictionary meaning — the stalk-like structure that connects the foot with the capsule in a sporophyte.
Explanation — The seta supports and elevates the capsule, helping in the effective release and dispersal of spores.
Capsule: Dictionary meaning — the spore-producing part of the sporophyte.
Explanation — The capsule contains spore-producing cells. These cells undergo meiosis to produce haploid spores, which later develop into gametophytes.
Given Statement - The sporophyte of liverworts is differentiated into a foot, seta and capsule.
🎯 Conclusion
The liverwort sporophyte is a diploid structure that develops from the zygote and is differentiated into three main parts: foot, seta and capsule. The foot provides attachment and nourishment, the seta supports the capsule, and the capsule produces and releases haploid spores through the process of meiosis.
10
What happens inside the capsule of the liverwort sporophyte after meiosis?
Practice
A
Diploid gametes are produced within the capsule
B
Haploid spores are produced within the capsule
C
A zygote is produced within the capsule
D
Gemmae are produced within the capsule
✅ Show Answer
✔ Correct Answer:
B
(Haploid spores are produced within the capsule)
💡 Explanation
Sporophyte: Dictionary meaning — the diploid generation of a plant that develops from the zygote and produces spores.
Explanation — In liverworts, the sporophyte consists of a foot, seta and capsule. The capsule contains cells that undergo meiosis to produce haploid spores.
Meiosis: Dictionary meaning — a specialised type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half.
Explanation — During meiosis in the capsule, diploid cells undergo reduction division and produce haploid spores.
Capsule: Dictionary meaning — the spore-producing part of the sporophyte.
Explanation — The capsule contains the spore-producing cells. After meiosis, haploid spores are formed within the capsule and are later released for dispersal.
Haploid spores: Dictionary meaning — reproductive cells containing a single set of chromosomes.
Explanation — The spores formed after meiosis are haploid. Under suitable conditions, they germinate and develop into the haploid gametophyte generation.
Given Statement - After meiosis, spores are produced within the capsule.
Explanation — In liverworts, the sporophyte consists of a foot, seta and capsule. The capsule contains cells that undergo meiosis to produce haploid spores.
Meiosis: Dictionary meaning — a specialised type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half.
Explanation — During meiosis in the capsule, diploid cells undergo reduction division and produce haploid spores.
Capsule: Dictionary meaning — the spore-producing part of the sporophyte.
Explanation — The capsule contains the spore-producing cells. After meiosis, haploid spores are formed within the capsule and are later released for dispersal.
Haploid spores: Dictionary meaning — reproductive cells containing a single set of chromosomes.
Explanation — The spores formed after meiosis are haploid. Under suitable conditions, they germinate and develop into the haploid gametophyte generation.
Given Statement - After meiosis, spores are produced within the capsule.
🎯 Conclusion
In liverworts, the capsule is the spore-producing part of the sporophyte. Cells within the capsule undergo meiosis, reducing their chromosome number by half and producing haploid spores. These spores remain within the capsule initially and are later released. Under suitable conditions, they germinate and develop into new gametophytes.
11
What do the spores of liverworts form when they germinate?
Practice
A
Diploid sporophytes that remain permanently attached to the parent plant
B
Free-living haploid gametophytes
C
Diploid zygotes inside the capsule
D
Multicellular antheridia
✅ Show Answer
✔ Correct Answer:
B
(Free-living haploid gametophytes)
💡 Explanation
Spores: Dictionary meaning — reproductive cells produced by the sporophyte that can develop into new individuals without fusion with another cell.
Explanation — In liverworts, the spores are haploid and are produced inside the capsule by meiosis. After release and under suitable conditions, they germinate to form free-living gametophytes.
Germination: Dictionary meaning — the process by which a spore or other reproductive structure begins to grow and develop into a new organism.
Explanation — Liverwort spores germinate under suitable conditions and develop into the haploid gametophyte generation.
Gametophyte: Dictionary meaning — the haploid generation of a plant that produces gametes.
Explanation — The gametophyte is the dominant sexual generation in liverworts. It is free-living and produces the male and female sex organs.
Free-living: Dictionary meaning — capable of living independently rather than remaining physically dependent on another organism.
Explanation — Unlike the attached sporophyte, the liverwort gametophyte is generally independent and can carry out its own photosynthesis and growth.
Haploid: Dictionary meaning — having a single set of chromosomes, represented as n.
Explanation — The spores produced by meiosis are haploid, and the gametophytes that develop from them also have a haploid chromosome number.
Given Statement - The spores of liverworts germinate to form free-living gametophytes.
Explanation — In liverworts, the spores are haploid and are produced inside the capsule by meiosis. After release and under suitable conditions, they germinate to form free-living gametophytes.
Germination: Dictionary meaning — the process by which a spore or other reproductive structure begins to grow and develop into a new organism.
Explanation — Liverwort spores germinate under suitable conditions and develop into the haploid gametophyte generation.
Gametophyte: Dictionary meaning — the haploid generation of a plant that produces gametes.
Explanation — The gametophyte is the dominant sexual generation in liverworts. It is free-living and produces the male and female sex organs.
Free-living: Dictionary meaning — capable of living independently rather than remaining physically dependent on another organism.
Explanation — Unlike the attached sporophyte, the liverwort gametophyte is generally independent and can carry out its own photosynthesis and growth.
Haploid: Dictionary meaning — having a single set of chromosomes, represented as n.
Explanation — The spores produced by meiosis are haploid, and the gametophytes that develop from them also have a haploid chromosome number.
Given Statement - The spores of liverworts germinate to form free-living gametophytes.
🎯 Conclusion
The haploid spores produced inside the liverwort capsule are released and, under suitable conditions, germinate into free-living gametophytes. The gametophyte is the dominant haploid generation and can live independently. It later produces the male and female sex organs, completing the transition from the sporophyte to the gametophyte generation.