In a plant's life cycle, which stage is responsible for the production of gametes?

The gametophyte stage in a plant's life cycle is the stage responsible for the production of gametes. In plants, the life cycle alternates between two distinct phases: the sporophyte and the gametophyte. During the gametophyte stage, the plant produces sexual gametes, which are the sperm and egg cells crucial for reproduction.

In flowering plants, the gametophyte is often reduced in size and complexity compared to the sporophyte. In ferns and mosses, the gametophyte is more prominent and can exist independently of the sporophyte. This stage is essential for sexual reproduction, as the fusion of the male and female gametes leads to the formation of a zygote, which will develop into a new sporophyte. Understanding the roles of different stages in the plant life cycle highlights the complexity and diversity of plant reproduction.