In mosses the structure which performs the function of water absorption is the _________?

1. Analyze the question The question asks which structure in mosses absorbs water. Mosses are bryophytes, which are simple, non-vascular plants.

2. Explain the concept Mosses have no true roots, stems, or leaves with vascular tissue (xylem and phloem). Instead they have:

• Rhizoids: thread-like structures that anchor the moss to the soil or rock and absorb water and mineral salts.
• Capsule (sporangium): produces and holds spores for reproduction.
• Seta: the stalk that carries the capsule.

3. Go through the options

• A. Root hairs: found only on the true roots of vascular plants such as flowering plants and ferns. Mosses have no true roots, so this is wrong.
• B. Rhizoids: the anchoring and absorbing structures of mosses. This is correct.
• C. Capsule: the spore-producing organ, not for absorption. Wrong.
• D. Hyphae: the filaments that make up the body of fungi, such as Mucor and mushrooms. Wrong.

4. Answer The structure that absorbs water in mosses is the rhizoid, so the answer is B.

5. Exam tip Link the words to their groups:

• Rhizoids go with mosses and liverworts (bryophytes), and also with Rhizopus.
• Root hairs go with higher plants.
• Hyphae go with fungi.

Remember: "Moss has no root, so it uses a rhizoid."