THE FERN 101 



5. Tracheids. Very large thick walled, empty cells or 

 tubes. 



6. Spiral Vessels. Smaller empty cells. 



The functions of the different portions of the bundles 

 must be determined by reference to text-books. 



Make drawings showing the different cells of the bundles. 



If possible examine longitudinal sections and identify 

 the tissues observed in the transverse sections. 



In a very general way compare the organization and 

 structure of the fern with that of the earthworm or other 

 animal. Are there similar functions in the two, if so what 

 are they, and what organs perform them? What organ 

 system has the animal that is lacking in the plant and vice 

 versa? In what are the tissues alike, in what different? In 

 what respects are the cells of these tissues alike, in what 

 different? 



m. Reproduction. 



Ferns present conspicuous sexual and asexual cycles, or 

 alternation of generations. Of these the ordinary fern plant 

 is the asexual generation or sporophyte, producing within 

 certain organs of the leaf numerous, non-sexual spores. 

 These germinating give rise to inconspicuous, sexual plants 

 forming the sexual generation or gametophyte, which form 

 the sex cells. 



1. Sporophytic Organs. Examine mature leaves for the 

 spore-producing structures, sporangia, which are borne along 

 the margins of the leaflets. Observe the membrane, indusium, 

 which encloses and protects the sporangia. With needles 

 carefully dissect off the coverings and observe the sporangia. 

 Describe the shape, color and size of these capsules. Can 

 you find any variations? If so, how do you account for 

 such? 



