Title: Bryophytes | Boundless Biology
Headings: Bryophytes
Bryophytes
Bryophytes
Learning Objectives
Key Takeaways
Key Points
Key Terms
Bryophytes
Liverworts and Hornworts
Learning Objectives
Key Takeaways
Key Points
Key Terms
Liverworts and Hornworts
Liverworts
Hornworts
Mosses
Learning Objectives
Key Takeaways
Key Points
Key Terms
Mosses

Content: The organism in the photograph is in the dominant gametophyte stage. The liverwort’s life cycle begins with the release of haploid spores from the sporangium that developed on the sporophyte. Spores disseminated by wind or water germinate into flattened thalli gametophytes attached to the substrate by thin, single-celled filaments. Male and female gametangia develop on separate, individual plants. Once released, male gametes swim with the aid of their flagella to the female gametangium (the archegonium), and fertilization ensues. The zygote grows into a small sporophyte still attached to the parent gametophyte and develops spore-producing cells and elaters. The spore-producing cells undergo meiosis to form spores, which disperse (with the help of elaters), giving rise to new gametophytes. Thus, the life cycle of liverworts follows the pattern of alternation of generations. Liverwort Life Cycle: The life cycle of a typical liverwort follows the pattern of alternation of generations.