Question

In bryophytes, which of the following structures is like a root?

Answer 1

Just looked in my text book it says its the rhizoids

Answer 2

Answer:

The correct answer is option B, that is, rhizoids.

Explanation:

Bryophyte is the collective term for hornworts, mosses, and liverworts. Bryology refers to the study of bryophytes. These are the spore-producing plants rather than the seed-producing plants and are devoid of flowers. Bryophytes do not possess true roots, they exhibit root-like anchoring compositions, known as rhizoids.  

Rhizoid is a thin and short filament found in plants like mosses and liverworts, which anchors the vegetative body of the species to a substratum that possesses the tendency of captivating nutrients. The prime function of rhizoids is to help the species of plants to absorb minerals, nutrients, and water.