Page 149 - Biology_F5

Biology for Advanced Level Secondary Schools

stalk-like structure called seta which is a young sporophyte. This structure later matures
and produces capsule on its tip. This means the entire sporophyte (seta and capsule)
grows on the gametophyte, where it is supported and supplied with food. The capsule
produces spores which, once released, can germinate to form another gametophyte.
The cycle repeats over again (Figure 3.23).

FOR ONLINE READING ONLY

Meiosis
Sporangium
Spores Leaf gametophyte
Seta (n)
Sporophyte (2n)

Protonema
(n)
Gametophyte
Gametophyte (n)
Gametophyte

Antheridium
sperm (n) Rhizoid
Embryo
(2n)
Sperm
Egg
Fertilization Egg (n)
Archegonium
Archegonium

Figure 3.23: The life cycle of a Funaria

Activity 3.6: Observation of moss plant (c) Observe the specimen or its sections
using hand lens. Note the greenish
Materials part and a small stalk growing on it;
Moss plant, hand lens or light bearing a small club-like structure
microscope, and petri dish at the top.

Procedure Questions
(a) Collect fresh moss plants from damp 1. Describe the structure of what
areas, wet walls, or tree barks. you have observed.
(b) Take a single moss plant and put it 2. Compare the structure you have
on a petri dish. observed with that of Figure 3.22.

Form Five Student’s Book
142