Hornworts are a group of non-vascular Embryophytes (land plants) constituting the division Anthocerotophyta (/ ˌænθoʊˌsɛrəˈtɒfətə, - təˈfaɪtə /). The common name refers to the elongated horn-like structure, which is the sporophyte.

Recent studies suggest that stomata in hornworts are involved in sporophyte dehydration and spore dispersal (Renzaglia et al., 2017; Pressel et al., 2018). Stomata develop at the base of the sporophyte and initially consist of two guard cells covering a liquid filled intercellular space (ICS).

Hornworts have a flattened thalloid gametophyte, out of which grow their long photosynthetic sporophytes (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)), composed of a sporangium with a columella and pseudoelaters. The sporophyte grows from a basal meristem, with the oldest tissues at the apex.

Nov 23, 2024 · However, liverworts develop a small sporophyte, whereas hornworts develop a long, slender sporophyte. Liverworts also disperse their spores with the help of elaters, while hornworts utilize pseudoelaters to aid in spore dispersal.

Jun 11, 2024 · Sporophyte (diplophase): The diplophase starts with fertilized egg or zygote. It has diploid number of chromosomes. The zygote undergoes cell division and differentiation to produce sporogonium. It is also known as sporophyte as it produces meiospores.

Hornworts differ from other bryophytes in having a region of continuous growth at the base of the sporophyte, and a large irregular foot. The stalk that attaches the foot to the spore-bearing capsule in liverworts is absent in hornworts.

Aug 13, 2020 · Like other bryophytes, the hornwort sporophyte is matrotrophic, meaning it develops on and is nourished by the gametophyte. Unlike other plants, the sporophyte grows from a basal meristem that is established in the early stages of its development.

Hornworts, phylum Anthocerotophyta, are have thalloid gametophytes with monoplastidic cells. Their sporophytes are composed of a long, thing sporangium that grows from a basal meristem.

Hornwort sporophytes are unusual in that the sporophyte grows upward from meristemic tissue near its base, instead of from meristemic tissue near its tip as in the common pattern of plant growth. Unlike liverworts (Marchantiophyta), most hornworts have …

Aug 1, 2020 · Life and laboratory cycle of the hornwort Anthoceros agrestis. (a) A. agrestis has two life cycle phases: a dominant haploid phase called gametophyte and a diploid phase called sporophyte.