Ferns In most ferns, for example, in the leptosporangiate fern Dryopteris, the gametophyte is a photosynthetic free living autotrophic organism called a prothallus that produces gametes and maintains the sporophyte during its early multicellular development. However, in some groups, notably the clade that includes Ophioglossaceae and Psilotaceae, the gametophytes are subterranean and subsist by forming mycotrophic relationships with fungi. Homosporous ferns secrete a chemical called antheridiogen.
Ferns In most ferns, for example, in the leptosporangiate fern Dryopteris, the gametophyte is! a photosynthetic free living autotrophic organism called a prothallus that produces gamete:s and maintains the sporophyte during its early multicellular development. However, in some groups, notably the clade that includes Ophioglossaceae and Psilotaceae, the gametophytes are subterranean and subsist by forming mycotrophic relat:ionships with fungi. Homosporous ferns secrete a chemical called antheridiogen.