Alternation of Generations

Alternation of Generations

Plants alternate between sporophyte (2n) and gametophyte (n) stages

Female Parts of Fern

Archegonia

Female Gametophytes in Angiosperms

Embryo sac

Pollen

Sperm bearing gametophytes

Seed

Fertilized, mature ovule of a flowering plant (angiosperm) or gymnosperm, containing an embryo that develops into a new plant

Sporophyte

Diploid, multicellular phase in the life cycle of plants and algae that produces asexual spores through meiosis

Gametophyte

Haploid, sexual phase in the life cycle of plants and algae that produces gametes (sperm and eggs) through mitosis

Cuticle

Protective, hydrophobic, waxy layer covering the epidermis of aerial plant parts like leaves, young stems, and fruits

Stomata

microscopic pores, primarily found on the underside of plant leaves for breathing and moisture regulation

Lignin Homosporous

Seedless vascular plants; lignin plays a crucial role in enabling the sporophyte phase to grow large and withstand environmental stress

Heterosporous

Produce two distinct types of spores—smaller microspores (male) and larger megaspores (female)—rather than one uniform type