Hey!
We have just learnt about moss in biology, and one of the girls in my class asked a question which seemed silly at the time, but is one i'd be interested to know the answer to.
Since a moss plant e.g. Polytrichum has sperms that are able to swim in liquid as the human sperm is, could a human get pregnant from a moss? I mean, in a laboratory setting if they fused the moss sperm with a human egg.
Its a very strange question I know! But It would be interesting to know if plant and animal gametes could fuse and form something.
Thanx!
Strange question!
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tdaly
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Answer to Strange Question
Candice,
The answer is a resounding NO!!!!!!!! THe definition of "species" includes the limitation that two species CAN NOT reproduce to form a fertile offspring. Also, the chromosome numbers for the two species are VERY DIFFERENT, adding yet another restriction on crossing humans and moss!
The answer is a resounding NO!!!!!!!! THe definition of "species" includes the limitation that two species CAN NOT reproduce to form a fertile offspring. Also, the chromosome numbers for the two species are VERY DIFFERENT, adding yet another restriction on crossing humans and moss!
All the best,
Terik
Terik