Gymnosperm Life Cycle

Gymnosperm plants have both haploid and diploid life cycles that is they reproduce via generation alteration. The life cycle of gymnosperms involves a complex process of alternation between two generations, the sporophyte, and the gametophyte. Gymnosperm have sporophyte-dominant life cycle.

Gymnosperms are heterosporous plants i.e., plants produce spores that are haploid microspores or megaspores. The gametic phase of the gymnosperm is short. Reproduyctive organ of gymnosperms are:

Male Cones: The male cones of gymnosperms develop from the sporophyte. They contain the male gametophyte, which produces pollen grain. Microsporangium forms microspores that are haploid in structure, some microspheres develop into pollen grains and others degrade.
Female Cones: The female cones of gymnosperms develop from the megasporophylls. Megasporangium contains the female ovule, which produces megaspores.

Once the pollen reaches the female cones via wind or any pollinating agent, it fertilizes the eggs, resulting in the formation of a diploid zygote. The zygote develops into an embryo, which is enclosed in a seed. The seed is then dispersed and can grow into a new sporophyte plant.

The life cycle of gymnosperms is different from that of angiosperms because gymnosperms do not produce flowers or fruits. Instead, they produce cones and seeds that are usually exposed. The life cycle of gymnosperms is an essential process that ensures the continued growth and reproduction of these plants.

Gymnosperms – Definition, Characteristics, Uses and Examples

Gymnosperms are a group of seed-bearing plants that do not produce flowers or fruits. Gymnosperms are not surrounded by fruit. They are believed to have first appeared during the Carboniferous period and became the dominant land plants during the Mesozoic era. In this article, we will cover gymnosperm notes, their classification, characteristics, and more.

Table of Content

What are Gymnospermae?
Characteristics of Gymnosperms
Classification of Gymnosperms

Cycadophyta
Ginkgophyta
Gnetophyta
Coniferophyta