Question

What is the life cycle of Pteridophytes?

Answer 1

Haplodiplontic life cycle:

1. The life cycle of Pteridophytes shows alternation of generations between diploid sporophyte, which is the dominant phase, and the short-lived, haploid gametophyte stage. The life cycle of pteridophytes is haplodiplontic.
2. In the haplodiplontic life cycle, the prophase and diplophase are almost equally balanced.
3. 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.
4. The sporophyte possesses diploid chromosome number (2n).
5. Meiosis takes place in it at the time of formation of meiospores.
6. The haploid meiospores germinate to produce haploid gametophytes.
7. The gametophytes(n) produce gametes.
8. The fusion product of gametes is a diploid zygote which develops into the sporophytic(2n) thallus of the progeny.