Question

Describe each generation of a bryophyte. Which generation is dominant?

Answer 1

Bryophyets have heteromorphic alternation of generation i.e., the sporophyte and gametophyte. Haploid spores formed by meiosis begins the gametophyte generation. The spore germinates to form a gametophyte which are attached to the substratum of rhizoids. The gametophyte produces anthredia and archegonia. Anthredia produces male gametes and archegonia produce female gametes, which join to form a diploid zygote. The zygote develops into the diploid sporophyte, which extends from the gametophyte and produces haploid spores through meiosis. Once the spores germinate, they produce new gametophyte plants and the cycle continues.

The haploid stage, in which a multicellular haploid gametophyte develops from a spore and produces haploid gametes, is the dominant stage in the bryophyte life cycle.