An elater is a cell (or structure attached to a cell) that is hygroscopic, and therefore will change shape in response to changes in moisture in the environment. Jump to: navigation, search Cells in culture, stained for keratin (red) and DNA (green) The cell is the structural and functional unit of all living organisms, sometimes called the building blocks of life. ... A hygroscopic or hydroscopic substance is a substance that absorbs water readily from its surroundings. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ...

In the liverworts and hornworts, elaters are cells that develop in the sporophyte alongside the spores. They are complete cells, usually with helical thickenings that respond to moisture content. Orders Need to be entered Liverworts are non-vascular plants in the Class Marchantiopsida, formerly known as the Hepaticae. ... Hornworts (or horned liverworts) are a group of non-vascular plants comprising the class Anthocerotae. ... A sporophyte is the diploid structure or phase of life of a sexually reproducing plant. ... The term spore have several different meanings in biology. ... This article is about the shape. ...

In the horsetails, elaters are ribbon-like appendages attached to the spores. Under moist conditions, they curl tightly around the spore. When conditions are dry, the elaters uncoil to extend out from the spore. Species Subgenus Equisetum Equisetum arvense - Field or Common Horsetail Equisetum bogotense - Andean Horsetail Equisetum diffusum - Himalayan Horsetail Equisetum fluviatile - Water Horsetail Equisetum palustre - Marsh Horsetail Equisetum pratense - Shade Horsetail Equisetum sylvaticum - Wood Horsetail Equisetum telmateia - Great Horsetail Subgenus Hippochaete Equisetum giganteum - Giant Horsetail Equisetum myriochaetum - Mexican Giant Horsetail Equisetum hyemale...