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Multiple Choice
Do charophytes exhibit alternation of generations in their life cycle?
A
Charophytes alternate between two diploid stages.
B
Yes, charophytes have a true alternation of generations like land plants.
C
Charophytes have only a diploid multicellular stage.
D
No, charophytes do not have alternation of generations; they have a dominant haploid stage.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of alternation of generations: Alternation of generations refers to a life cycle in which an organism alternates between a multicellular haploid stage (gametophyte) and a multicellular diploid stage (sporophyte). This is characteristic of land plants but not all algae.
Clarify the life cycle of charophytes: Charophytes, a group of green algae closely related to land plants, do not exhibit alternation of generations. Instead, they have a dominant haploid stage and lack a multicellular diploid sporophyte stage.
Examine the stages in charophyte reproduction: Charophytes primarily exist as haploid organisms. Their diploid stage is limited to the zygote, which is formed after fertilization and undergoes meiosis to produce haploid spores, returning to the haploid stage.
Compare charophytes to land plants: Unlike land plants, which alternate between multicellular haploid and diploid stages, charophytes do not develop a multicellular diploid sporophyte. This distinction is key to understanding why charophytes do not exhibit true alternation of generations.
Conclude based on the evidence: Since charophytes lack a multicellular diploid stage and their life cycle is dominated by the haploid stage, the correct answer is that charophytes do not have alternation of generations.