The correct sequence of events in the life cycle of bryophytes is
A. Fusion of antherozoid with egg.
B. Attachment of gametophyte to substratum.
C. Reduction division to produce haploid spores.
D. Formation of sporophyte.
E. Release of antherozoids into water.
Choose the correct answer from the option given below:

Question

Question

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NEET 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 04 May, 2025)

Answer 1

The correct answer is 3) B, E, A, D, C

Concept:

Bryophytes are non-vascular plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. They exhibit a distinct alternation of generations between the haploid gametophyte and diploid sporophyte stages.
The dominant stage in the life cycle of bryophytes is the gametophyte, which is haploid and independent. The sporophyte is dependent on the gametophyte for nutrition.
The life cycle involves the production of gametes, fertilization, sporophyte development, spore formation via reduction division (meiosis), and subsequent germination of haploid spores to form new gametophytes.

Explanation:

Step 1 (B - Attachment of gametophyte to substratum): The life cycle begins with the haploid gametophyte, which attaches itself to the substratum, such as soil or rocks, via rhizoids. The gametophyte is photosynthetic and forms the primary plant body.
Step 2 (E - Release of antherozoids into water): Male gametophytes produce biflagellate antherozoids (sperm cells) in the antheridia, which are released into water. Bryophytes depend on water for fertilization.
Step 3 (A - Fusion of antherozoid with egg): Antherozoids swim through water to reach the archegonia (female reproductive structures), where fertilization occurs. The fusion of antherozoid and egg forms a diploid zygote.
Step 4 (D - Formation of sporophyte): The zygote develops into a diploid sporophyte, which remains attached to and nutritionally dependent on the gametophyte. The sporophyte consists of a foot, seta, and capsule.
Step 5 (C - Reduction division to produce haploid spores): Inside the capsule of the sporophyte, meiosis (reduction division) occurs, leading to the production of haploid spores. These spores are released and germinate to form new gametophytes, completing the life cycle.