During this process, the plant converts light energy into chemical energy, then proceeds to store it in the form of glucose or other organic compounds. Photosynthesis usually occurs in the upper parts of nonvascular plants, where they produce many small stemlike and leaflike appendages. Until recently, scientists grouped all three together as one division, Bryophyta , but the current view is that they are probably not related. They do share some key characteristics, such as the presence of a waxy cuticle and gametangia, but they all have distinct characteristics that warrant separate divisions. Bryophyta Division Bryophyta consists of the mosses , and it includes approximately 10,000 species.
Mosses are the most common and familiar nonvascular plants.
They usually grow in a mat formation, which consists of many plants growing in a tight pack to hold one another up. The mat usually has a spongy quality which enables it to retain water, thus aiding in reproduction and preventing the plant from drying out. Mosses possess multicellular, rootlike structures known as rhizoids which they use for attachment and water absorption. In many cases the sporangia will possess a lid, or operculum, which is separated from the rest of the capsule by a ring. This lid will eventually detach, releasing spores.