408 



BRYOPHYTES (MOSS PLANTS) 



untler surface, cells are differentiated into thread-like structures 

 called rhizoids, which attach the plant to the sul)stratum. In 

 the notches about the margin are cells which function like the 

 meristematic cells of the higher plants, and thus have to do with 

 the addition of new cells wherel)y the growth of the plant is 

 maintained. The cells of the upper region of the thallus are 

 differentiated into an epidermis, which affords protection against 



Fig. .364. — Highly magnified crass sections of a thallus of jVIarchantia. 

 A, section through a thick portion of a thallus, showing the following features: 

 the upper epidermis and the chlorenchyma tissue {chl) just beneath divided 

 into chambers by partitions (o) ; the layers of cells (p) between the chloren- 

 chyma and lower epidermis, giving thickness and rigidity to the thallus; and 

 the lower epidermis with rhizoids (/() and scale-like plates of cells (6). B, sec- 

 tion near the margin of the thallus and more highly megnified, showing the 

 following features: upper epidermis (o); a chamber of chlorenchyma tissue 

 (chl) bounded by the partitions (s) and into which the chimney-like air pore 

 {sp) opens; the lower epidermis (m); and two layers of supporting tissue (p). 

 From J. M. Coulter, originally after Goebel. 



evaporation, and into tissues which utilize the air and sunlight 

 in manufacturing carbohydrates. Highly magnified .sections 

 through a thallus are shown in Figure 364. In the epidermis are 

 many chimney-shaped pores which permit the air to reach the 

 filaments of food-making cells in the chambers beneath. 



On the thalli shown in Figure 363 are also shown some small 

 cups and some erect stalks with expanded tops. These struc- 



