Question

Read the following statements regarding bryophytes and select the correct answer.
(i) Bryophytes lack true roots, stem and leaves.
(ii) The main plant body is a haploid.
(iii) Sex-organs are unicellular and non-jacketed.
(iv) Fertilization produces an embryo in water.

• A. Statements (i) and (ii) are correct
• B. Statements (ii) and (iii) are correct
• C. Statements (iii) and (iv) are correct
• D. All statements are correct

Answer 1

The correct option is A Statements (i) and (ii) are correct

(i) Bryophytes lack true roots, stem and leaves. The plant body of bryophytes is more differentiated than that of algae. It is thallus-like and prostrate or erect, and attached to the substratum by unicellular or multicellular rhizoids. They may possess root-like, leaf-like or stem-like structures. This statement is correct.

(ii) The main plant body is haploid. The main plant body of bryophyte is gametophyte; hence they have haploid plant body. This statement is correct.

(iii) Sex-organs are unicellular and non-jacketed; this statement is incorrect. The sex organs in bryophytes are multicellular. The male sex organ is called antheridium. They produce biflagellate antherozoids. The female sex organ called archegonium is flask-shaped and produces a single egg.

(iv) Fertilisation produces an embryo in water. This statement is incorrect. The embryo develops within the venter of archegonium and not in the water.