Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Haplodiplontic refers to a type of life cycle in plants where there are both multicellular haploid and multicellular diploid stages. This life cycle includes alternation of generations, with distinct gametophyte and sporophyte phases.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
In the haplodiplontic life cycle, the sporophyte is diploid (2n) and produces spores via meiosis.
The gametophyte is haploid (n) and produces gametes through mitosis.
This type of life cycle is seen in all land plants, including non-vascular plants like mosses and vascular seedless plants like ferns.
Alternation of generations allows for genetic diversity through the combination of sexual reproduction (gametes) and asexual reproduction (spores).
The dominance of either the gametophyte or sporophyte phase varies among plant groups; for example, mosses have a dominant gametophyte phase while ferns have a dominant sporophyte phase.
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Related terms
Sporophyte: The diploid (2n) multicellular stage in the plant life cycle that produces spores through meiosis.
Gametophyte: The haploid (n) multicellular stage in the plant life cycle that produces gametes through mitosis.
Alternation of Generations: A reproductive strategy involving alternating phases between diploid sporophytes and haploid gametophytes.