Ferns

Alternation of Generations

The Sporophyte Generation

The plant we recognize as a fern is the diploid sporophyte generation.
(Link to a general discussion of the alternation
of generations in all plants.
)
Sori form on the fronds. Each contains many sporangia mounted on stalks. Within each sporangium, the spore mother cells undergo meiosis producing four haploid spores each. When the humidity drops,

The Gametophyte Generation

If a spore is blown to a suitable moist location,

Fertilization

If moisture is plentiful, the sperm swim to archegonia - usually on another prothallus because the two kinds of sex organs generally do not mature at the same time on a single prothallus.

Fertilization restores the diploid number and begins a new sporophyte generation.

The embryo sporophyte develops a foot that penetrates the tissue of the prothallus and enables the sporophyte to secure nourishment until it becomes self-sufficient.

Although it is tiny, the haploid fern prothallus is a fully-independent, autotrophic plant.

Welcome&Next Search

22 March 1999