Kean University Plant Identification Chromosomal Analysis Questions

Imagine you are a botanist. Below are characteristics of a never-before described plant species recently identified as part of the ‘All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI).

Organism 1
Field Notes: Specimen collected from rocks on bank of streams from the Adirondack Park (NY). Plant growth form is more ‘prone’ than upright (plant seems to have little support).
Laboratory Analysis:
Body: Consists of three regions: light brown anchoring tissue (base of plant); Green vegetative area (middle of plant); Brownish-green, stalk-like structure bearing capsule at end (top of plant).

Size: 8 cm in length

Chromosomal Analysis: Bottom two thirds of plant is haploid (chromosome # 10), while top third of plant is haploid (chromosome # 20).

Lignin test: Negative

Cuticle: Present

Leaves: Absent, though they do possess green photosynthetic structures. Contains chlorophyll a, b; B-carotenes; xanthophylls.

Roots: Absent, though they do possess anchoring (possibly absorptive) structures.

Stem: Absent, though they do possess axis—no xylem or phloem present.

Notes: Top third of plant may be separate but dependent stage of life cycle; Capsule at end of plant contains haploid spores.

Life History: Extended observations show that the haploid, bottom two regions of the plant are the dominant stage of the life cycle and produce gametes. The diploid, top third of the plant is a temporary spore-producing stage of the life cycle (sporophyte) that is dependent on the gametophyte.

Unit 7 DQ Question: Explain which domain, kingdom and phylum you believe this plant should be classified in.

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