Reproduction of moss/ Semibarbula:
Three different types of reproductions are found in moss
(I) Vegetative reproduction
(II) Sexual reproduction &
(III) Asexual reproduction
Vegetative reproduction:
- One to many cells of the main axis of the plant may be modified to form “Brute bodies”. Brute bodies germinate to form protonema or rhizoids. Protonema eventually turns into a moss plant.
- Often, secondary protonema may be formed from stem, leaf or rhizoid. This protonema ultimately turns into a gametophore.
Sexual Reproduction:
Moss plant is garnetophytic, i.e. haploid. They are heterothallic, i.e. male and female plants are different.
Reproductive organs of moss:
Position: The reproductive organs (male & female) of moss plants develop in a group from the tip of the gametophores and are surrounded by perigonial leaves.
Names: The male and female reproductive organs of moss are known as Antheridium and Archegonium respectively.
Types of reproduction: The union between motile male gamete and static female gamete is known as oogamous type of reproduction.
