Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What is the sporophyte generation in plants?

1. The haploid stage of reproduction

2. The asexual stage producing haploid spores

3. The sexual generation of the plant

4. The stage involving pollination

The correct answer is: The asexual stage producing haploid spores

The sporophyte generation in plants is defined as the phase that produces haploid spores through a process called meiosis. In the life cycle of a plant, the sporophyte is typically diploid, meaning it contains two sets of chromosomes. This stage emerges from the fertilization of gametes, leading to the formation of this multicellular organism. During its life cycle, the sporophyte undergoes meiosis to produce spores that are haploid, which means they contain a single set of chromosomes. These spores can then develop directly into the gametophyte generation, which produces gametes for reproduction. Thus, the correct choice accurately describes the role of the sporophyte in the plant reproductive process, emphasizing its function in generating haploid spores. The other options do not align with the characteristics of the sporophyte. For instance, the haploid stage of reproduction refers to the gametophyte generation rather than the sporophyte. The sexual generation of the plant pertains to the reproductive phase involving gametes, while the stage involving pollination focuses on the transfer of pollen rather than the role of the sporophyte itself.