Mosses and liverworts life cycles, including haploid and diploid structures.

General Botany

Life Cycle of Mosses/Liverworts

1. Haploid Stage

2. Diploid Stage

Gametophyte (haploid):

Male and female parts produce gametes

Fertilization:

Sperm swims to the egg

Zygote (2n)

Fertilized egg becomes the diploid zygote

Moss

Sporophyte (2n):

The zygote grows into a sporophyte, which remains attached to the female gametophyte

Moss

Spore Production:

The sporophyte produces haploid spores by meiosis

Moss

Spore Release:

Spores are released from the capsule and land in a suitable environment

Moss

Germination:

Spores germinate into new gametophytes, completing the cycle

Liverwort

Sporophyte:

The zygote grows into a sporophyte, which is small and remains attached to the gametophyte.

Liver Worts

Spore Release:

Spores are released from the capsule and germinate into new gametophytes