Rhizoids __________.

• A. are found in liverworts and hornworts but not in mosses
• B. play a primary role in water and mineral absorption
• C. contain specialized conducting cells
• D. have tissues in their centers that allow some mosses to grow up to 2 m tall
• E. anchor the gametophytes of bryophytes

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of rhizoids in bryophytes: Rhizoids are hair-like structures that serve to anchor the gametophytes of bryophytes, which include liverworts, hornworts, and mosses.
2. Differentiate rhizoids from roots: Unlike true roots, rhizoids do not have specialized conducting cells and do not play a primary role in water and mineral absorption.
3. Recognize the presence of rhizoids in bryophytes: Rhizoids are found in all bryophytes, including liverworts, hornworts, and mosses, serving primarily as anchoring structures.
4. Clarify the misconception about rhizoids and plant height: Rhizoids do not have tissues that allow mosses to grow tall; instead, they are simple structures without vascular tissues.
5. Conclude with the correct function: The primary function of rhizoids is to anchor the gametophytes of bryophytes, providing stability to these non-vascular plants.