What are the two main stages that plants go through during their life cycle in sexual reproduction?

• A. Seed and Flower
• B. Zygote and Embryo
• C. Gametophyte and Sporophyte
• D. Pollination and Fertilization

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that plants have a life cycle that alternates between two main stages: the gametophyte stage and the sporophyte stage.
2. The gametophyte stage is haploid, meaning it contains a single set of chromosomes. During this stage, plants produce gametes (sperm and eggs) through mitosis.
3. The sporophyte stage is diploid, meaning it contains two sets of chromosomes. This stage begins when gametes fuse during fertilization to form a zygote, which then develops into a sporophyte.
4. The sporophyte produces spores through meiosis, which are haploid and can grow into new gametophytes, thus continuing the cycle.
5. Recognize that this alternation of generations is a key feature of plant life cycles, distinguishing them from many other organisms.