Table of Contents
What is Gametophyte?
Gametophyte is a haploid plant that produces gametes by mitosis. The gametophyte is the dominant phase in the life cycle of bryophytes and ferns, and the haploid phase in the life cycle of gymnosperms and angiosperms.
What is Sporophyte?
Sporophyte is the dominant phase in the life cycle of a plant that produces spores. The sporophyte is a diploid multicellular organism that arises from a spore and produces spores itself.
Alternation of Generation
In plants, alternation of generation is a means of asexual reproduction in which a new generation of plants arises from an older generation without the need for fertilization. The older generation, called the sporophyte, produces spores, which give rise to the new generation, the gametophyte. The gametophyte produces eggs and sperm, which fuse to form a new sporophyte.
Difference between Sporophyte and Gametophyte
- Sporophyte is a diploid structure that forms after meiosis in the sporangium of a gametophyte. Gametophyte is a haploid structure that produces spores by meiosis.
- A sporophyte is a diploid multicellular organism that arises from a haploid spore. A gametophyte is a haploid multicellular organism that arises from a diploid spore.
- Sporophytes are usually larger and more complex than gametophytes. They are typically the dominant form of the plant, and produce spores. Gametophytes are typically smaller, and produce gametes.
- Sporophytes and gametophytes are different in their mode of reproduction. Sporophytes produce spores, which give rise to new gametophytes. Gametophytes produce gametes, which fuse to form new sporophytes.
- Sporophytes and gametophytes are also different in their mode of nutrition. Sporophytes are usually autotrophic, and produce their own food. Gametophytes are usually heterotrophic, and depend on the sporophyte for food.
