sporophyte

[ spawr-uh-fahyt, spohr- ]

noun

, Botany.

1. the form of a plant in the alternation of generations that produces asexual spores.

sporophyte

/ ˈspɒ-; ˌspɔːrəˈfɪtɪk; ˈspɔːrəʊˌfaɪt; ˌspɒ- /

noun

1. the diploid form of plants that have alternation of generations. It develops from a zygote and produces asexual spores Compare gametophyte

sporophyte

/ spôr′ə-fīt′ /

1. Among organisms which display an alternation of generations (such as plants, fungi, and certain algae), the individual diploid organism that produces spores. A sporophyte develops from an embryo resulting from the union of two gametes. Each of its cells has two sets of chromosomes, as opposed to the haploid gametophyte generation.
2. See more at alternation of generations

Derived Forms

• sporophytic, adjective

Other Words From

• spo·ro·phyt·ic [spawr-, uh, -, fit, -ik, spohr-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sporophyte¹

First recorded in 1885–90; sporo- + -phyte

Example Sentences

H, Sporophyte bearing the single sporangium on its upper surface.

From Project Gutenberg

The sporophyte may be considered to begin at the stage of nuclear association and end with the nuclear reduction in the basidium.

From Project Gutenberg

In contrast to the sexual generation this stage is called the spore-bearing generation (sporogonium, sporophyte).

From Project Gutenberg

Thus in Pellia the nuclei of the gametophyte have eight chromosomes and those of the sporophyte sixteen.

From Project Gutenberg