gametofyyttiin

Gametophyte is a term used in botany to describe the haploid (n) phase of the plant life cycle, which is the dominant phase in the life cycle of most plants. It is characterized by the production of gametes, which are the reproductive cells. In the gametophyte phase, the plant produces male and female gametes through the process of gametogenesis. The male gametes, or sperm, are produced in structures called antheridia, while the female gametes, or eggs, are produced in structures called archegonia. Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell, resulting in the formation of a diploid (2n) zygote. The zygote then develops into the sporophyte, the diploid phase of the plant life cycle. The gametophyte phase is typically smaller and less robust than the sporophyte phase, and it is often dependent on the sporophyte for nutrition and support. In some plant groups, such as mosses and liverworts, the gametophyte is the dominant and visible phase of the life cycle, while the sporophyte is small and dependent on the gametophyte. In other plant groups, such as ferns and seed plants, the sporophyte is the dominant and visible phase, while the gametophyte is small and dependent on the sporophyte. The gametophyte phase is an important stage in the life cycle of plants, as it is responsible for the production of gametes and the initiation of the sporophyte phase.