Question

In Selaginella, glossopodium is found in..............
A. Ligule
B. Stern
C. Leaf
D. Root

Answer 1

Hint: It is the genus of vascular plants belonging to the family Selaginellaceae. It is also known as spike moss or lesser clubmoss. Around 750 species of Selaginella are known to be present. They have a water absorbing tissue called the glossopodium.

Complete Answer:
To solve this question, we must know about the structure of Selaginella.
- Selaginella is found in the tropical regions of the world. Few species are found in the arctic-alpine zones. It is a creeping plant with simple and scale-like leaves on the branching stem. The roots arise from the branching stem. The stem is aerial and creeping horizontally or erect or sub erect on the substratum.
- The leaves bear ligules. The ligule is a leaf like structure which is present on the adaxial side of the leaf. Ligule bears a minute structure as a bulbous base called the glossopodium. It is a water absorbing tissue.
- Root: The root of the Selaginella is called rhizophore. They are adventitious roots and arise at the branching of the stem. They are similar in structure to that of root. Root cap is present in some species.

Thus the correct answer is (A). In Selaginella, glossopodium is found in ligules.

Note: The ligule is a water- absorbing structure which helps in keeping the leaf and sporangium moist. The ligule is made up of vacuolated cells which are elongated. It also secretes mucilaginous substances which are composed of carbohydrates and proteins.