<Dl> <Dd> "Elaters" is also used as a common name for the Elateridae (click beetles). For the click beetle genus, see Elater (beetle). </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> "Elaters" is also used as a common name for the Elateridae (click beetles). For the click beetle genus, see Elater (beetle). </Dd> <P> An elater is a cell (or structure attached to a cell) that is hygroscopic, and therefore will change shape in response to changes in moisture in the environment . Elaters come in a variety of forms, but are always associated with plant spores . In many plants that do not have seeds, they function in dispersing the spores to a new location . Mosses do not have elaters, but peristome which also change shape with changes in humidity or moisture to allow for a gradual release of spores . </P> <P> In the horsetails, elaters are four ribbon - like appendages attached to the spores . These appendages develop from an outer spiral layer of the spore wall . At maturity, the four strips peel away from the inner wall, except at a single point on the spore where all four strips are attached . </P>

Elater mechanism for seed dispersal is exhibited by