Question

Compare the life cycle of a typical moss plant to the life cycle of a flowering plant, like a lily or a daisy. How do the two life cycles differ?

Answer 1

Similarities and differences between life cycle of typical moss and a flowering plant are discussed as under:

Explanation:

The life cycle of both typical moss ( Funaria ) and a flowering plant exhibit the phenomenon of alternation of generations.

The life cycle in both is completed in 2 generations:
1. Gametophytic generation and 2. Sporophytic generation.

Gametohytic generation is that which reproduces sexually by gametes and is usually haploid. The gametes are produced by mitotic division.

Sporophytic generation is that which reproduces asexually by meiospores and is usually diploid. Meiospores, as the name indicates, are produced by meiosis and are haploid.

Gametophytic and sporophytic generations follow each other in alternate sequence to complete the life cycle. This phenomenon is termed alternation of generations .

Gametophyte reproduces sexually by gametes. Male and female gametes fuse to form diploid oospore.

Oospore is the first step of sporophytic generation. It gives rise to embryo that develops into sporophyte. Mature sporophyte reproduces asexually by haploid meiospores.

Meiospore is the first step of gametophytic generation. It germinates to produce gametophyte.

However, the life cycle is not exactly alike.

Main plant body in moss represents gametophytic generation. The sporophyte is reduced and permanently attached to moss plant and is partial parasite on it . It can synthesize its own food but is dependent on moss plant for its requirement of water and minerals.

Main plant body in flowering plant represents sporophytic generation . It reproduces asexually by 2 types of meiospores, i.e. microspores and macrospores. Micro-and macro-spores germinate to produced male and female gametophyte which are reduced but have independent existence.

Oospore develops into embryo inside megasporangium (ovule) which develops into seed. Seed germinates to form flowering plant.