What is Homospory?
Homospory or isospory is the formation of spores that are similar in shape and size. It is seen in Bryophytes and the majority of ferns. These spores give rise to bisexual gametophyte that has both male and female reproductive structures. Since both male and female structures are present on the same gametophyte, homosporous plants commonly undergo self fertilisation.
What is Heterospory?
Heterospory is the formation of two morphologically different spores (megaspores and microspores) from the sporophytes of Pteridophytes and other seed plants. The megaspores are the bigger spores that produce a female gametophyte and the microspores are the smaller ones that produce a male gametophyte. When both the male and female parts are borne in the same sporophyte of a plant, it is called monoecious, whereas when male and female parts are borne on different sporophytes it is known as dioecious.
The male and female gametophytes produce gametes. The male gametes travel to the female gametophyte via wind or water and get fertilised. Heterosporous plants show cross fertilisation.
Homospory vs Heterospory
| The phenomenon of producing spores of similar shape and size is known as homospory. | The phenomenon of producing different types of spores is known as heterospory. |
| Bryophytes and ferns are considered as homosporous plants. | Pteridophytes and seed plants are considered as heterosporous plants. |
| A single type of germ cell is produced. | Two germ cells are produced namely, megaspores and microspores that are totally different from each other. |
| Gametophytes are the dominant generation. | Sporophytes are the dominant generation. |
| Monosporangiate, meaning they have single types of capsule in their sporophyte. | Multisporangiate, meaning they have multiple sporangia in their sporophyte. |
| Self-fertilisation is common in homosporous plants. | Cross-fertilisation is common in heterosporous plants. |
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Also see:
- Difference between Bryophytes and Pteridophytes
- Difference between Cross Pollination and Self Pollination
- Difference between Sporophyte and Gametophyte
