Chapter 44, Problem 1FIB

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The life cycle of plants can be called as alteration of generation because of plant alternate between the two types of generation: multicellular diploid and multicellular haploid. This haploid and diploid generation is produced in a continuous manner in plant life cycle.

Answer to Problem 1FIB

Correct answer:

The plant sexual life cycle is called as alteration of generation. The diploid generation is called the sporophyte. Reproductive cells in this stage of the cycle produce spores through meiotic cell division. The spores germinate to produce the haploid generation, called the gametophyte.

Explanation of Solution

The sexual life cycle of a plant is called as alteration of generation. This type of life cycle in a plant show two alternate types of stages: haploid stage and diploid stage. The haploid stage begins when the diploid specialized reproductive cell, which is called as a sporophyte (diploid), undergoes meiotic cell division. This meiotic cell division results in the generation of haploid cells or haploid spores.

The haploid spores undergo mitotic cell division which results in the production of the specialized multicellular gametophyte. Specialized reproductive gametophyte then undergoes differentiation process which results in the generation of haploid gamete.

Conclusion

Alteration of generation is the type of plant life cycle, which follows two different stages: haploid and diploid stage. These two stages are alternatively produced in a continuous life cycle of plants.