In the gametophyte generation ferns have Haploid cells. The fern spore develops into a small, heart-shaped gametophyte (prothallus) that sustains itself by photosynthesis. Their eggs are formed in archegonia and their sperm are formed in antheridia. Archegonium is the female gametangium which is a moist chamber in which gametes develop in plants. Antheridium is the male gametangium which is a moist chamber in which gametes develop in plants. A Fern's gametophyte is photosynthetic and has rhizoids for anchoring and water absorption. Ferns are parasitic only temporarily. Their foot and stalk are parasitic upon gametophytes. They become independent and develop new structures which are roots, stems, and leaves. Their spore cases are formed on the leaves. Their tissues then simplify. Moss gametophytes are described as "leafy" because they have stemlike structures that bear many leaflike appendages. These are not true stems and leaves because they lack lignin-coated vascular cells. Moss "leaves" are usually only one cell thick and often lack a cuticle, features that enhance water and mineral absorption from the moist environment. However, they common "hairy cap" moss Polytrichum and its close relatives have more complex "leaves" with ridges that enhance absorption of sunlight. They have haploid cells. Mosses have colorless rhizoids which filaments of cells. They do not play a primary role in water and mineral absorption. And they differ from the roots of vascular plants. Mosses are parasitic. They have a foot, stalk and spore cases. Their cells contain chlorophyll. They are independent.
The sperm transport and fertilization in ferns begins with sperm swimming to archegonium and require dew, moisture, etc., for transport. The neck canal cells and ventral canal cell of the archegonium disintegrate. Disintegration of cells may form a chemical that attracts sperm. Fertilization occurs in venter of the archegonium.
