Question

Match the columns I and II and choose the correct combination from the options given: Column I Column II

a. Haplontic life cycle	i. Gymnosperms and angiosperms
b. Diplontic life cycle	ii. Spirogyra
c. Haplo-diplontic life cycle	iii. Bryophytes and pteridophytes

• A. a-ii, b-iii, c-i
• B. a-iii, b-i, c-ii
• C. a-ii, b-i, c-iii
• D. a-i, b-ii, c-iii

Answer 1

The correct option is C a-ii, b-i, c-iii

In the life cycle of sexually reproducing plants, there is an alternation of generations between gamete producing haploid gametophyte and spore producing diploid sporophyte. It is referred to as alteration of generations.

Spirogyra shows haplontic life cycle, where the dominant, photosynthetic phase is the haploid free-living gametophyte. The sporophytic generation is represented only by the one-celled zygote. There are no free-living sporophytes. Meiosis in the zygote results in the formation of haploid spores. which divide mitotically and form the gametophyte.

Gymnosperms and angiosperms show a diplontic life cycle where the diploid sporophyte is the dominant, photosynthetic, independent phase of the plant. The gametophytic phase is represented by the single to few-celled haploid gametophyte.

Bryophytes and pteridophytes show haplo-diplontic life cycle where both the haploid and the diploid phases are multicellular.
In bryophytes the haploid gametophyte is dominant and alternates with a short-lived sporophytic phase which is totally or partially dependent on the gametophyte.
In pteridophytes the sporophytic phase is dominant and alternates with a short-lived and independent gametophytic phase.