The correct sequence of events in the life cycle of bryophytes is A. Fusion of antherozoid with egg. B. Attachment of gametophyte to substratum. C. Reduction division, to produce haploid spores. D. Formation of sporophyte. E. Release of antherozoids into water. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Solution & Explanation

Answer: (A) B, E, A, D, C. Solution: The bryophyte gametophyte first attaches to the substratum by rhizoids (B), then the antheridia release biflagellate antherozoids into water (E); an antherozoid fuses with the egg in the archegonium to form the zygote (A); the zygote (without immediate reduction division) produces a multicellular sporophyte (D); finally some sporophyte cells undergo reduction division (meiosis) to produce haploid spores (C). This gives the order B, E, A, D, C — the other options misplace sporophyte formation or meiosis. NCERT Reference: Class XI Biology, Plant Kingdom, p.29, lines 15-22 — "The antherozoids are released into water where they come in contact with archegonium. An antherozoid fuses with the egg to produce the zygote. Zygotes do not undergo reduction division immediately. They produce a multicellular body called a sporophyte... Some cells of the sporophyte undergo reduction division (meiosis) to produce haploid spores.".