LEARNING JOURNAL UNIT 4

In bryophytes, the gametophyte stage is the dominant part of the life cycle. Weru, (n.d.) This
means that the most conspicuous, long-lived phase of their life cycle is the one that produces
gametes (sex cells), rather than spores. Bryophytes, including mosses, liverworts, and
hornworts, exhibit a life cycle where the gametophyte is photosynthetic and remains
persistent, while the sporophyte, which arises from the fertilization of gametes, is often short-
lived and remains attached to and dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition.

Mosses are usually restricted to moist habitats for several reasons. One of the main reasons is
their reproductive cycle, which depends on water for the sperm to swim to the egg for
fertilization to occur. (Helmenstine, 2018) Without sufficient moisture, successful
reproduction is not likely. Moreover, mosses lack a well-developed system for water and
nutrient transport, such as the xylem and phloem found in vascular plants. They rely on
diffusion and osmosis to move water and nutrients, processes that are much more efficient in
wet environments. Their thin, non-waxy leaves also make them prone to desiccation in dry
conditions, further limiting their habitat to moist areas.
Fern leaves are called fronds. Ferns reproduce via spores instead of seeds, which are typically
located on the underside of the fronds in structures called sporangia. Sporangia release
spores, which can germinate into new fern plants under suitable conditions. This unique
method of reproduction sets ferns apart from seed-producing plants like flowering plants and
conifers.

The main plant body of gymnosperms is the sporophyte, which is the diploid, or double set of
chromosomes, phase of the plant. Gymnosperms (n.d.) This is the dominant phase in the life
cycle of gymnosperms, where most of the plant's growth and development occurs. The
fertilized egg cell, or zygote, is encased in a structure called the seed coat. The seed coat
protects the developing embryo and seed contents from external threats such as desiccation,
physical damage, and pathogens, allowing for successful germination and growth of the
seedling.

In angiosperms, the male gametophyte is the pollen grain, which contains the male gametes
(sperm cells), while the female gametophyte is the embryo sac, which contains the female
gametes (egg cells). Gymnosperms. (n.d.) Before angiosperms can reproduce, they must go
through the process of pollination, where pollen grains are transferred from the male
reproductive organ (anther) to the female reproductive organ (stigma) of a flower. Following
pollination, fertilization occurs, leading to the formation of seeds within the ovary of the
flower. This complex process ensures the genetic diversity and continuation of angiosperm
plant species.
References

Weru, L. (n.d.). Life cycle of a moss - infographic. STEMLounge. Retrieved from

https://stemlounge.com/life-cycle-of-a-moss-infographic/

Helmenstine, A. M. (2018, October 1). Fern life cycle - How fern reproduction works.
ThoughtCo. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/fern-life-cycle-4158558

Gymnosperms. (n.d.). Lumen. Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-

biology/chapter/gymnosperms/

Angiosperms. (n.d.). Lumen. Retrieved from

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-biology/chapter/angiosperms/