2 characteristics of bryophytes that allows them to compensate for lack of vascular tissue?

Question

2 characteristics of bryophytes that allows them to compensate for lack of vascular tissue?

Answer 1

Lack Vascular Tissue --> Impact on Structure

Bryophytes lack vascular tissues so Bryophytes must absorb all water and nutrients at the surface and pass them from cell to cell.

1. A few have modified water transport cells, call hydroids.

2. A few have solute conducting cells, called leptoids , but this is rare.

3.Depend on cell to cell diffusion for transport and this places size restriction on Bryophytes.

Small --> 2 cm - 20 cm

Often grow in prostrate masses or clumps

(No vascular tissues for strength for upright growth)

Attach to substrate with rhizoids which anchor (no roots)

No cuticle on above ground parts (generally) so most are "soft" and pliable.

http://scidiv.bcc.ctc.edu/rkr/Botany110/...