Streptophyta

Streptophyta-x4

Streptophyta is a clade of green plants that includes the charophyte algae and the embryophytes (land plants). This group is significant in the study of plant evolution as it encompasses the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life.

Classification

Streptophyta is divided into two main groups:

• Charophyta: This group includes several orders of green algae, such as Charales, Coleochaetales, and Zygnematales. These algae are primarily freshwater organisms and are considered the closest relatives to land plants.
• Embryophyta: Also known as land plants, this group includes all plants that live primarily on land. It encompasses bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts) and vascular plants (ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms).

Evolutionary Significance

The Streptophyta clade is crucial for understanding the evolution of plants. The transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments required significant adaptations, such as the development of cuticles to prevent desiccation, stomata for gas exchange, and specialized reproductive structures.

Characteristics

Members of the Streptophyta share several key characteristics:

• Presence of chlorophyll a and b
• Storage of carbohydrates in the form of starch
• Cell walls primarily composed of cellulose
• Similarities in the structure of flagella and mitosis processes

Related Pages

• Charophyta
• Embryophyta
• Bryophyte
• Vascular plant
• Chlorophyll
• Cellulose
• Starch
• Cuticle
• Stomata

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