Title: Life Cycle of Bryophytes - Meaning & Life Cycle - Biology Reader
Headings: Life Cycle of Bryophytes
Life Cycle of Bryophytes
Content: Life Cycle of Bryophytes
Meaning of Bryophytes
Life Cycle
Asexual Reproduction
Sexual Reproduction
Gametophyte Stage
Sporophyte Stage
Conclusion

Content: A gemma can bring about the formation of a new vegetative structure or gametophyte when it dissociates from the parent plant body. Fragmentation is another way of asexual reproduction, by which bryophytes can regenerate via leaf and stem fragments. The mechanism of spore dispersal and fragmentation is aided by water, wind, and animal movement. Sexual Reproduction
Its life cycle exists two phases that are explained below: Gametophyte Stage
This stage begins, when the dormant spores form a germ tube. The spores first develop a green, filiform complex called a protonema. A protonema goes through several maturation phases, after which it starts developing rhizoids and aerial filaments. Red light and kinetin stimulate the cells that promoting the growth of shoots, which later enlarge to modify into mature gametophytes. Then, the gametophytes develop a specialized reproductive structure ( gametangia) at the apex of main shoot that holds the gametes (eggs and sperms). The leafy gametophyte develops separate branches for the male gametangium ( antheridium) and the female gametangium ( archegonium ).