IQO 



A TEXTBOOK OF THEORETICAL BOTANY 



system of threads is called the capIUitium (Fig. i8o), and it is sometimes 

 attached to a prolongation of the stalk. The sporangium also secretes a hard 



Fig. 177. — Badhamia sp. Portion of Plasmodium showing 

 thickened strands and finer reticulations. Stained to 

 show the very numerous small nuclei. 



brittle wall. Granules of calcium carbonate frequently cover the surface of 

 the wall, and are also formed in the meshes of the capillitium. During the 



Fig. 178. — Badhamia pimicea. Sporangia. Natural size. 



formation of the spores a meiosis occurs, so that the mature spores are 

 monoploid. 



The spores are liberated by the bursting of the wall of the sporangium. 

 This also exposes the capillitium, which is hygroscopic and twists about 

 as it absorbs or loses water, thus breaking up the spore mass. The spores 

 are minute, round bodies, often with beautifully sculptured walls. 



