Question

What is the function of the sporophyte?

Answer 1

Sporophyte:

1. A sporophyte is the stage of a plant's life cycle when it produces spores.
2. Plants reproduce in two ways: sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction.
3. Through the processes of meiosis and fertilisation, the alternation of generation divides these two phases into sporophyte and gametophyte.
4. Sporophyte refers to the stage at which plants produce diploid (2n) spores that develop into gametophytes.

The function of the sporophyte:

1. The sporophyte's primary purpose is to produce spores.
2. The spores, in turn, form gametophytes, which give birth to male and female gametes via the meiotic process.
3. Following this step, the reproductive cells are ready to be fertilised in order to generate the sporophyte, completing the cycle.
4. Fruits will not form without it, and plants will have to rely on asexual ways of propagation.
5. This reduces the genetic diversity of plant species.