Sporophyte

Sporophyte

The Sporophyte is one of the two alternating phases in the life cycle of plants and algae, the other being the Gametophyte. It is a multicellular stage in the life cycle of embryophytes and algae that develops from the zygote.

Overview

The sporophyte phase is the diploid, or 2n, phase of the plant life cycle. It produces spores by meiosis, which are haploid, or n, and can develop into a new organism (the gametophyte) without fertilization. This alternation between diploid sporophyte and haploid gametophyte phases is known as alternation of generations.

Development

The sporophyte develops from the zygote created when a haploid egg cell is fertilized by a haploid sperm. It is a multicellular organism that will eventually give rise to the plant's spores through the process of meiosis.

Role in the Life Cycle

The sporophyte is the dominant phase in the life cycle of most plant species. It is typically the phase that is most visible and carries out most of the plant's photosynthesis. The sporophyte produces spores by meiosis, which can then develop into gametophytes. These gametophytes can produce gametes (eggs and sperm), which can combine to form a new zygote, beginning the cycle again.

See Also

• Gametophyte
• Alternation of generations
• Plant reproduction
• Fern
• Moss

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  Diagram of alternation of generations

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  Physcomitrella sporophyte