Leafy gametophore in mosses consist of upright,slender axes bearing

Options

A. spirally arranged leaves
B. Oppositely arranged leaves
C. Unicellular gametangia
D. Unicellular rhizoids

Answer

To solve the question regarding the structure of the leafy gametophore in mosses, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Mosses**:
- Mosses are classified as bryophytes, which are non-vascular plants. They reproduce via spores.

2. **Germination of Spores**:
- When moss spores germinate, they develop into a structure called a germ tube. This germ tube grows and branches out.

3. **Formation of Protonema**:
- The germ tube eventually forms a primitive structure known as protonema. This is an early stage in the life cycle of mosses.

4. **Development of Leafy Gametophore**:
- The protonema develops into the leafy gametophore, which is the adult stage of the moss.

5. **Structure of Leafy Gametophore**:
- The leafy gametophore consists of upright, slender axes. These axes bear leaves.

6. **Arrangement of Leaves**:
- The leaves on the leafy gametophore are arranged in a specific pattern. In mosses, these leaves are spirally arranged around the stem.

7. **Elimination of Other Options**:
- The other options provided (oppositely arranged leaves, unicellular gametangia, and unicellular rhizoids) do not accurately describe the structure of the leafy gametophore in mosses.
- Mosses do not have gametangia in the leafy gametophore stage as they primarily reproduce through spores.
- While rhizoids are present, they serve to anchor the plant rather than being part of the leafy structure.

8. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the leafy gametophore in mosses consists of upright, slender axes bearing spirally arranged leaves.

### Final Answer:
The leafy gametophore in mosses consists of upright, slender axes bearing spirally arranged leaves.

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