Question

What is the life cycle of bryophytes?

Answer 1

The life cycle of bryophytes is haplodiplontic.

Haplodiplontic life cycle:

1. In the haplodiplontic life cycle, the haplophase and diplophase are almost equally balanced.
2. In this life cycle there is a true alternation of generations which is defined as an alternation between a multicellular, haploid gamete producing gametophyte (n) generation with a multicellular, diploid spore producing sporophyte (2n) generation.
3. The sporophyte possesses diploid chromosome number (2n).
4. Meiosis takes place in it at the time of formation of meiospores.
5. The haploid meiospores germinate to produce haploid gametophytes.
6. The gametophytes(n) produce gametes.
7. The fusion product of gametes is a diploid zygote which develops into the sporophyte (2n) thallus of the progeny.