Explain briefly the alternation of generation in bryophytes?
The life cycle of moss represents two distinct generations: gametophytic and sporophytic. The Moss plant is a gametophyte. Spore is the beginning of gametophytic generation. It develops into protonema which gives rise to male and female gametophytes. Gametophyte consists of green thallus having archegoniophores and antheridiophores which bear sex organs and the gametes are produced in them either monoecious or diecious. Club shaped antheridium bears biflagellate sperms or antherozoids. Flask shaped archegonium encloses the female egg. A zygote is formed after the fertilization of male and female gametes. Repeated divisions of the zygote lead to the formation of the embryo (2N) which develops into a sporophyte. The sporophyte of moss gets differentiated into- foot, seta and capsule Inside the capsule, single-celled spores are produced. After dehiscence, they begin to germinate and give rise to protonema to initiate the cycle again. Gametophytic Generation alternates the sporophytic generation. Inside the capsule, single-celled spores are produced. After dehiscence, they begin to germinate and give rise to protonema to initiate the cycle again. Gametophytic Generation alternates the sporophytic generation.
