Bryophytes, which include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, do not have a vascular system like higher plants. Instead, they rely on a process called diffusion to transport water and nutrients.
Water and nutrients are absorbed directly through the surface of the plant, primarily through the leaves and stems. Since bryophytes lack true roots, they have structures called rhizoids that anchor them to the substrate. These rhizoids also help in the absorption of water and minerals from the environment.
The process of diffusion allows water and nutrients to move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration. This means that water and nutrients can move through the bryophyte’s cells and tissues without the need for specialized vascular tissues like xylem and phloem.
In addition to diffusion, bryophytes can also absorb water and nutrients through capillary action. This is the ability of water to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces. The small size and simple structure of bryophytes make capillary action an effective method for water transport.
Overall, the lack of a vascular system in bryophytes means that they are limited in size and typically found in moist environments where water and nutrients are readily available.