Differences between Sporophyte and Gametophyte
- The main differentiation point between sporophyte and gametophyte is that the sporophyte is a diploid structure that participates in asexual plant reproduction, whereas the gametophyte is a haploid structure which participates in sexual reproduction.
- Due to the formation of the zygote, the sporophyte represents the diploid phase (2N), whereas the gametophyte represents the haploid phase (N), as a result of the occurrence of meiosis.
- The first cell in a sporophyte generation is the diploid zygote, and the first cell in a gametophyte generation is the haploid spore.
- The sporophyte stage grows on the gametophyte stage in Bryophytes, Psilophytes, and Lycophytes where the gametophyte stage is larger and more dominant.
- The sporophyte phase is considerably larger and more dominant in angiosperms and gymnosperms, while the gametophyte phase is smaller.
- The sporophyte generation is represented by the asexual phase, and the gametophyte generation is represented by the sexual phase.
Difference |
Gametophyte |
Sporophyte |
---|---|---|
Definition |
The haploid stage of plants is known as the gametophyte. It creates the zygote that gives rise to the sporophyte as well as gametes. |
The diploid stage of plants is called the sporophyte. The gametophyte develops from the spores that it produces. |
In Bryophytes |
The primary independent plant body is the gametophyte. |
The gametophyte is necessary for the sporophyte. |
In Pteridophytes and Higher Plants |
A reduced number of gametophyte is present. |
Sporophyte has the dominant position. |
Ploidy |
The gametophyte is haploid. |
The sporophyte is diploid. |
Development |
A meiospore’s germination results in the development of the gametophyte. |
The sporophyte grows from the zygote. |
Chromosomes |
A single set of chromosomes is present in Gametophyte |
Two sets of chromosomes are present in sporophytes. |
Reproduction |
Gametophytes reproduce sexually |
Sporophytes reproduce asexually |
Production |
Meiosis produces the gametophyte. |
Mitosis produces the Sporophyte. |
Products |
Male and female gametes are produced by the gametophyte. |
Microspores and megaspores are produced by the Sporophyte. |
Sex Organs |
Gametangia (archegonia and antheridia). |
Sporangia |