elater

plant anatomy

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Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "elater" refers to a plant structure involved in spore dispersal. Specifically, it can be one of the filaments found among spores in a liverwort's capsule or a filamentous appendage of spores in horsetails. The word originates from Greek, meaning "driver," reflecting its role in dispersal.1

It is important to distinguish this from "elaterid," which is a type of beetle, commonly known as a click beetle.2

The genus Elodea, also known as waterweed, consists of submerged aquatic plants used in aquariums and for scientific demonstrations. These plants are known for their rapid growth and are often used to illustrate cellular activities like photosynthesis.3

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bryophyte
Form and function
…within it elongate cells (elaters) with coiled thickenings that are scattered among the spores. When the sporangium opens, usually very rapidly when dry, it does so along four longitudinal lines, exposing the elaters, which uncoil rapidly and throw themselves and the adjacent spores into the air. Other devices exist…
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…within it elongate cells (elaters) with coiled thickenings that are scattered among the spores. When the sporangium opens, usually very rapidly when dry, it does so along four longitudinal lines, exposing the elaters, which uncoil rapidly and throw themselves and the adjacent spores into the air. Other devices exist…
Read More

Equisetopsida
Life cycle
…spores have four bands, or elaters, which coil and uncoil in response to changes in humidity, assisting in the dispersal of the spores. Under low light intensity and high humidity, the spores germinate to form small, flattened, green gametophytes. After a period of development, these gametophytes come to resemble miniature…
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…spores have four bands, or elaters, which coil and uncoil in response to changes in humidity, assisting in the dispersal of the spores. Under low light intensity and high humidity, the spores germinate to form small, flattened, green gametophytes. After a period of development, these gametophytes come to resemble miniature…
Read More