sporófýt

Sporophyte is the diploid multicellular stage in the life cycle of land plants and algae. It is one of the two alternating generations that characterize the life cycle of plants, the other being the gametophyte. The sporophyte generation is produced by the fusion of two gametes, a process known as fertilization. This results in a diploid zygote which then develops into the sporophyte.

The primary function of the sporophyte is to produce spores through meiosis. These spores are haploid and are released into the environment. When conditions are favorable, the spores germinate and develop into the gametophyte generation. In most land plants, the sporophyte is the dominant and more conspicuous generation, meaning it is the larger and longer-lived phase of the life cycle. For example, in ferns and flowering plants, the plant we typically see and recognize is the sporophyte.

The sporophyte structure varies greatly among different plant groups. In bryophytes like mosses, the sporophyte is often a small, stalked structure that grows directly from the gametophyte. In vascular plants, such as ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms, the sporophyte is a more complex, independent plant with true roots, stems, and leaves. It bears specialized structures called sporangia where meiosis occurs to produce spores. The development and morphology of the sporophyte are key characteristics used in plant classification.