Gametophyte

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Gametophyte

Gametophyte (/ɡəˈmɛtəˌfaɪt/), derived from the Greek words "gamein" (to marry) and "phyton" (plant), is a term used in biology to describe the sexual phase in the life cycle of plants and algae that undergo alternation of generations. It refers to the multicellular structure that is haploid, containing a single set of chromosomes.

Etymology

The term "gametophyte" is derived from the Greek words "gamein", which means to marry, and "phyton", which means plant. This term is used to describe the phase in the life cycle of plants and algae where the gametes, or sex cells, are produced.

Definition

A gametophyte is the multicellular stage in the life cycle of a plant or alga that undergoes alternation of generations, being haploid and producing gametes. In many plants, the gametophyte stage is the dominant stage, while in others, such as ferns and mosses, the sporophyte stage is dominant.

Related Terms

  • Sporophyte: The diploid multicellular stage in the life cycle of a plant or alga that undergoes alternation of generations, being diploid and producing spores from which the gametophyte arises.
  • Alternation of Generations: A type of life cycle that occurs in many multicellular organisms, where they alternate between a sexual phase (the gametophyte) and an asexual phase (the sporophyte).
  • Gamete: A mature haploid male or female germ cell that is able to unite with another of the opposite sex in sexual reproduction to form a zygote.

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