Physcomitrella
Encyclopedia
Physcomitrella is a genus
of moss
es, containing two species. Physcomitrella patens
is a model organism
in laboratory research. Physcomitrella readeri is fairly similar, distinguished only by subtle characteristics. In fact, it has often been debated whether they should rightly be considered separate species, or a single species.
Genus
In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...
of moss
Moss
Mosses are small, soft plants that are typically 1–10 cm tall, though some species are much larger. They commonly grow close together in clumps or mats in damp or shady locations. They do not have flowers or seeds, and their simple leaves cover the thin wiry stems...
es, containing two species. Physcomitrella patens
Physcomitrella patens
Physcomitrella patens is a moss used as a model organism for studies on plant evolution, development and physiology.-Model organism:...
is a model organism
Model organism
A model organism is a non-human species that is extensively studied to understand particular biological phenomena, with the expectation that discoveries made in the organism model will provide insight into the workings of other organisms. Model organisms are in vivo models and are widely used to...
in laboratory research. Physcomitrella readeri is fairly similar, distinguished only by subtle characteristics. In fact, it has often been debated whether they should rightly be considered separate species, or a single species.