[1] Moss gametophytes lack internal transport tissues, which, coupled with the absence of cuticles, leads to the water-loss characteristic of bryophytes.

As bryophytes can only grow when hydrated, the lack of conducting tissue restricts most mosses, even in relatively wet habitats, to a low stature.

They increase the surface area of cell walls available for CO2 uptake, while at the same time maintaining layers of moist air between lamellae, reducing water loss.

Lamella margins have a surface wax layer which prevents water from flooding into the interlamellar spaces.

Unlike the xylem of vascular plants, there is no secondary thickening of cell walls, as bryophytes lack lignin.