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3. The ecological importance:

a) Bryophytes are used as bioindicators of heavy metals in air pollution, aquatic
bioindicators and for soil conditioning and culturing. Bryophytes (liverworts) are good
indicators of growth regulator (auxins, cytokinins).

b) Used in seed beds: Since mosses have remarkable power to absorb and hold water
like a sponge, they are extensively used in seed beds and green houses .

c) Bryophytes possess strong insecticidal activity (Fatty acids derived from mosses
Hypnum cupressiforme and Dicranum scoparium and liverwort, Conocephalum
conicum, used as insecticides against Sitophilus granaries).

Thallophytes

Thallophytes are classified into: Algae, Fungi, Lichens.

Saprophytic Fungi

*Yeast *Plant growth regulators (Plant hormones)

*Penicillium: P. nautatum, P. chrysogenum→Penicillin (antibiotic)
P. griseofulvin → griseofulvin (antifungal)

*Asperigellus:
- Some are edible (as in cheese).

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