LAB #4 - TETRAPHIDAE

1. Tetraphis pellucida


(a) protonema

The protonematal flaps can be seen on rotting wood.

Here is a slide preparation of protonematal flaps.

Shoots are initiated at the base of the flap.

(b) gemmiferous shoots

The first shoots to be produced are gemmiferous shoots. They are terminated by a flower-like structure which contains gemmae.


This gemma has produced a rhizoid.

(c) gametophore with sporophyte

Tetraphis is a very small moss. The sporophytes are small as well.

This is a cross-section throught the stem.

Leaf Cross-section:

If an archegonial plant is unfertilized one year it can develop a perigonial branch the following year! Here is a perigonial branch. Can you see the antheridia?

You can see the conducting strand of hydroids in the center of the seta.

The calyptra and operculum have fallen from this sporangium revealing the large (relatively) teeth.

Here is a close-up of the teeth.


BACK TO LAB PICTS PAGE