spermatozoids

In other cells, either of the same filament or else of the small male plants already mentioned, small motile cells, called spermatozoids, are formed.

Elements of Structural and Systematic Botany For High Schools and Elementary College Courses Douglas Houghton Campbell

Owing to their small size the spermatozoids are difficult to see satisfactorily and other mosses (_e. g._ peat mosses, Figure 64, the hairy cap moss, Figure 65, _I_), are preferable where obtainable.

Elements of Structural and Systematic Botany For High Schools and Elementary College Courses Douglas Houghton Campbell

_G_, _I_, group of filaments containing spermatozoids.

Elements of Structural and Systematic Botany For High Schools and Elementary College Courses Douglas Houghton Campbell

After lying a few moments in the water, the wall of each sperm cell becomes completely dissolved, and the spermatozoids are released, and swim rapidly away with a twisting movement.

Elements of Structural and Systematic Botany For High Schools and Elementary College Courses Douglas Houghton Campbell

After a few minutes this membrane is dissolved, and the spermatozoids are set free.

Elements of Structural and Systematic Botany For High Schools and Elementary College Courses Douglas Houghton Campbell

If a plant with ripe archegonia is placed in a drop of water, with the lower surface uppermost, and at the same time male plants are put with it, and the whole covered with a cover glass, the archegonia and antheridia will open simultaneously; and, if examined with the microscope, we shall see the spermatozoids collect about the open archegonia, to which they are attracted by the substance forced out when it opens.

Elements of Structural and Systematic Botany For High Schools and Elementary College Courses Douglas Houghton Campbell

(Fig.  72, _J_, _an. _) are larger than those of the ferns, and the spermatozoids (_K_) are thicker and with fewer coils, but otherwise much like fern spermatozoids.

Elements of Structural and Systematic Botany For High Schools and Elementary College Courses Douglas Houghton Campbell

No spermatozoids are produced, the seed plants differing in this respect from all pteridophytes.

Elements of Structural and Systematic Botany For High Schools and Elementary College Courses Douglas Houghton Campbell

It is called an "antheridium," and within are produced, by internal division, numerous excessively small spermatozoids.

Elements of Structural and Systematic Botany For High Schools and Elementary College Courses Douglas Houghton Campbell

The spermatozoids of a peat moss are shown in Figure 60, _D_.

Elements of Structural and Systematic Botany For High Schools and Elementary College Courses Douglas Houghton Campbell