Sporophyte - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A sporophyte is the diploid, spore-producing phase in the life cycle of plants and some algae. It alternates with the gametophyte phase during reproduction.
Definition:
The diploid, spore-producing phase in the life cycle of plants and algae.
Synonyms:
spore-bearing plant, diploid phase, asexual generation
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
gametophyte, haploid phase
Common Collocations:
sporophyte generation, sporophyte stage, sporophyte development
Derivatives:
sporophytic, sporophytically
Usage Tips:
Use "sporophyte" to describe the non-sexual, spore-producing stage in alternation of generations in plants.
Common Phrases:
sporophyte dominance, sporophyte-gametophyte cycle, independent sporophyte
Etymology:
From Greek "spora" (seed) + "phyton" (plant), referring to the spore-producing plant stage.
Examples:
- 1. The moss sporophyte grows atop the gametophyte.
- 2. Ferns have a dominant sporophyte phase in their life cycle.
- 3. The sporophyte produces spores through meiosis.
- 4. In algae, the sporophyte may be microscopic or macroscopic.