Question

is the first stage of the gametophyte during the life cycle of mosses.

• A. Protonema
• B. Gemmae
• C. Sporophyll
• D. Antherozoid

Answer 1

The correct option is A Protonema

Mosses exhibit a haplo-diplontic life cycle which consists of a dominant gametophyte generation. The gametophytes exhibit two stages. First stage is the protonema stage which arises when the spores germinate. Protonema is green in colour, creeping and may be branched or filamentous.
The secong stage develops from the protonema as a lateral bud and is called the leafy stage.It consists of erect, slender axes bearing spirally arranged leaves. This stage produces the sex organs.