Sporofytti

Sporofytti (sporophyte) is the diploid multicellular phase in the life cycle of plants that undergo alternation of generations. It forms from the zygote after fertilization and produces haploid spores by meiosis. These spores germinate to form the haploid gametophyte, which then produces gametes by mitosis.

In bryophytes such as mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, the sporophyte is typically small, short-lived, and nutritionally dependent on the gametophyte. In contrast, in ferns, other seedless plants, and all seed plants, the sporophyte is the dominant, free-living, usually photosynthetic phase.

Sporophytes carry sporangia, structures that produce spores by meiosis. In ferns, sporangia are often grouped into sori on the fronds. In seed plants, spores are produced within specialized tissues inside the sporophyte: microspores form pollen grains, and megaspores develop into female gametophytes within ovules.

The sporophyte generation enables dispersal of offspring through spores and helps protect the gametophyte in many plant lineages. Its relative dominance or dependence has shifted during plant evolution, contributing to the diversification of land plants.