Final answer:
In plants of Phylum Anthophyte, sperm being part of the pollen is generated by a two-step process involving both meiosis and mitosis. Initially, meiosis results in haploid microspores which then undergo mitosis to develop into pollen grains that contain sperm.
Step-by-step explanation:
In plants belonging to the Phylum Anthophyte, such as angiosperms, the production of sperm involves both meiosis and mitosis. Male microsporocytes within the anthers' microsporangia undergo meiosis to produce haploid microspores. These microspores then undergo mitosis to produce pollen grains. Each pollen grain contains two cells: a generative cell and a cell that becomes the pollen tube cell. The generative cell divides to produce two sperm.
The process falls under the broader life-cycle concept called 'alternation of generations', which involves both haploid and diploid stages. The sporophyte stage is diploid and produces spores by meiosis, while the gametophyte stage is haploid and produces gametes by mitosis. The union of male and female gametes forms a diploid zygote, marking the beginning of a new sporophyte generation.
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