Chapter 23, Problem 12A

Summary Introduction

To determine:

A possible mechanism for the development of independent sporophyte generation.

Introduction:

The diploid multicellular stage in life cycle of plant is termed as sporophyte. When a haploid egg fuses with a haploid sperm, a zygote is formed. Sporophyte develops from the zygote and has two sets of chromosomes.

Explanation of Solution

The advantage of independent and young sporophyte is that it can produce many gametes and provide security to embryos. There is a mechanism by which independent sporophyte can be produced. By wind the sporophyte gets detached from gametophyte and then developed roots to absorb and nutrients. Development of roots is the result of evolution and adaptation to the changed environment. Moreover, any kind of mutation in sporophyte also help it to survive independently.