EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Elaters are tubular cells with spiral thickenings and often help in spore release in some liverworts.

Detailed explanation-2: -The elaters of horsetail plants aid spore dispersal by coiling and uncoiling in response to humidity.

Detailed explanation-3: -Elaters are hygroscopic, meaning that they change shape and move in response to changes in moisture content. Elaters function in spore dispersal; as the sporangium dries out, the elaters twist out of the capsule, carrying spores with them (Figures 3.11, 3.12K). FIGURE 3.11. Liverwort morphology and life cycle.

Detailed explanation-4: -Spore dissemination in some liverworts is aided by elaters. Elater is a water attracting cell structure found in the capsule of liverworts. It is hygroscopic in nature. Due to its hygroscopic nature, it helps in dispersal of spores.

Detailed explanation-5: -Each of the red elaters is coated with black spores. Four lines of weakness run along the wall of the capsule, which opens out into four lobes. Once the capsule has opened the contents begin to dry out.