Gametofyttinen

Gametofyttinen refers to the gametophyte generation in the life cycle of plants and some algae. This generation is characterized by being haploid, meaning it contains only one set of chromosomes. The primary function of the gametophyte is to produce gametes, which are specialized reproductive cells such as sperm and egg. These gametes are formed through mitosis.

In the alternation of generations found in these organisms, the gametophyte stage follows the sporophyte generation, which is diploid and produces spores through meiosis. When two gametes from compatible gametophytes fuse during fertilization, they form a diploid zygote. This zygote then develops into the sporophyte, thus completing the cycle. The relative size and prominence of the gametophyte versus the sporophyte vary significantly across different plant groups. For instance, in mosses and liverworts, the gametophyte is the dominant and most visible stage, while in ferns and seed plants, the sporophyte is the larger and more conspicuous generation. The gametophyte is often a small, short-lived structure, but it is essential for sexual reproduction.