Lycopodium Reproduction

Question 1

Where are the Sporangia located?

Answer 1

Sporangia are borne at or near the bases & upper surface of sporophylls.

Question 2

[Step 1]

What does each Sporangium produce?

Answer 2

Fertile sporogenous cells

Question 3

[Step 2]

What happens to the Fertile Sporogenous Cells?

Answer 3

1) Enlarge
2) Become spherical (now called sporocytes).
3) Undergo meiosis
4) Give tetrads of haploid spores (meiospores).

Question 4

[Step 3]

What is the effect of the separation of Tetrads?

Answer 4

It leaves markings on the spores called triradiate ridges.

Question 5

[Step 4]

How does Germination occur?

Answer 5

Spores germinate slowly & result in a subterranean, fleshy gametophyte devoid of chlorophyll.

Question 6

[Step 5]

How does Fertilization take place?

Answer 6

1) Fertilization of egg is by biflagellate sperm.
2) Zygote develops into embryonic sporophyte.
3) Early leaves of this sporophyte lack vascular tissue.