Plant Biology and Classification

The rhizoids of Funaria are multicellular, branched, and possess oblique septa, which is a key diagnostic feature distinguishing them from other bryophyte rhizoids.

Funaria is a bryophyte and lacks true roots (it has rhizoids), whereas Selaginella is a pteridophyte and possesses true roots.

The peristome in Funaria consists of two rings of 16 teeth each, totaling 32 teeth.

The peristome of Funaria consists of two concentric rings, each containing 16 teeth, for a total of 32 teeth.

• In the majority of bryophytes, embryonic sporophytes elongate gradually to form a foot and a spore-bearing capsule. Calyptra is an enlarged archegonial venter in bryophyte that protects the capsule containing the embryonic sporophyte.
• Columella is a column of sterile tissues which extends through the theca and are surrounded by spore-producing cells. Antheridium is the male sex organ of algae, fungi, ferns, and other nonflowering plants

Acrocarpous mosses have their sex organs at the tips of the main axis or primary branches, leading to an upright growth habit.

The sporophyte of Funaria is partially independent because it contains chlorophyll in the apophysis, allowing for some photosynthesis, though it remains dependent on the gametophyte for water and minerals.

In bryophytes like Funaria, the zygote develops into the sporophyte while remaining within the archegonium. The archegonium provides protection and nourishment during the early stages of development.

Funaria is a bryophyte, which lacks true roots, stems, and leaves; it uses rhizoids for anchorage. Pteridium is a pteridophyte, which possesses true vascular tissues including roots, stems, and leaves.

In bryophytes like Funaria, the gametophyte is the dominant, independent, and photosynthetic phase. The sporophyte is dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition.

Peristome (exposed) plays an important role in the dispersal of spores. The peristome teeth by their hygroscopic movements help in the discharge of the spores. The inner peristome simply functions as a sieve. The spores are liberated in the dry weather and are carried out by air.

The sporophytes of mosses, like those of the liverworts, consist of a foot, seta and capsule and remain permanently attached to the gametophytes. At the tip of the capsule is a lid (operculum) which, prior to spore dissemination, falls away exposing the so-called peristome teeth, a set of structures, often delicate and thread-like in appearance, that form a ring around the mouth (rim) of the capsule. The peristome teeth are perhaps the most characteristic feature of the mosses; usually composed of cell wall remnants, they respond to changes in the humidity of the atmosphere. When a moss first grows from the spore, it grows as a protonema, which develops into a leafy gametophore.

The peristome, which lies immediately below the operculum consists of two sets of long, conical teeth, one within the other. The teeth of both the sets are on the same radii and thus opposite to each other. The tapering distal ends of the teeth of the outer set converge towards each other and are united terminally in a small central disc of tissue. The peristomial teeth are sculptured structures, that close the opening of the spore sac. They are attached at the base of the rim or diaphragm. The outer set of the peristomial teeth are hygroscopic and respond to the changes in humidity. The presence of peristomial teeth guarding the mouth of the theca region slows the rate of spore discharge.

The hygroscopic movement performed due to imbibition of water is called as hydrochasy. E.g., movement in the peristome of moss, elators in eqisetum.