Question

What is spermatophyta?

Answer 1

The spermatophyta (lit. seed-bearing plants), also known as phanerogams or phaenogams, comprise those plants that produce seeds, hence the alternative name seed plants. They are a subset of the embryophytes or land plants.

Complete answer:
A major division of the plant kingdom, characterised by reproduction by seed. Although the taxonomic division Spermatophyta is no longer accepted, the term “spermatophyte” is used to refer collectively to the angiosperms (flowering plants) and gymnosperms (conifers, cycads, and allies).
General characteristics of spermatophyta;
1. The plant has roots, stems, leaves and seed-bearing structures.
2. They produce seeds.
3. They have chlorophyll, hence photosynthetic.
4. They have vascular tissue which is highly developed with xylem tissue.
5. The division spermatophyte consists of two main subdivisions: Gymnospermatophyta and Angiospermatophyta.
Characteristics of Gymnospermatophyta;
1. They bear cones of two types, male and female
2. After fertilization seeds are not enclosed in a fruit wall.
3. They show some xerophytic characteristics such as rolled leaves, needle-shaped leaves, sunken stomata and thick waxy leaves.
4. Xylem consists mainly of tracheids while phloem does not have companion cells.
Characteristics of Angiospermatophyta;
1. This is the most advanced group found almost everywhere. They include grasses, herbs, shrubs and trees.
2. They are flower bearing and are usually bisexual.
3. Seeds are enclosed in an ovary which develops into a fruit.
4. Xylem has tracheids and vessels while phloem has companion cells.
5. They exhibit double fertilization.

Note:
Today spermatophytes are by far the largest vascular plant lineage, with about 270,000 living species. Spermatophytes are important because they perform a process for obtaining food called Photosynthesis, which is the basis of life and regulates the concentration of gases in the atmosphere, that affects global climate and produces essential nutrients for the proper functioning of those beings who alone can generate.