Question

Where can heteromorphic alternation of generations be seen?

Answer 1

Heteromorphic alternation of generation :

1. Heteromorphic alternation of generation means when there is a haploid gametophyte in one generation and a diploid sporophyte in another generation.
2. Both the generations are different from each other, morphologically and genetically.
3. In this, a diploid sporophyte produces haploid microspores and megaspores which form the male and female gametophytes respectively.
4. The male and female gametes thus formed from these gametophytes , eventually fuses to give rise to a diploid oospore.
5. A sporophyte is then formed from the diploid oocyte.
6. It is mostly seen in land plants, some algae and fungi.

Example : In Pteropsida, the life cycle has a normal alternation of a dominant sporophyte and an inconspicuous gametophyte, kelp (a brown algae), also shows heteromorphic alternation of generations.