alternation of generations

Click a letter for the index

Or search the encyclopaedia:

 

 

Go

 

Typical life cycle of terrestrial plants and some seaweeds, in which there are two distinct forms occurring alternately: diploid (having two sets of chromosomes) and haploid (one set of chromosomes). The diploid generation produces haploid spores by meiosis, and is called the sporophyte, while the haploid generation produces gametes (sex cells), and is called the gametophyte. The gametes fuse to form a diploid zygote which develops into a new sporophyte; thus the sporophyte and gametophyte alternate.

The Union Jack marks Australia's historical links with Britain. The Southern Cross helped guide early European navigators to the continent. Effective date: 15 April 1954. >>