Question

Alternation of generations describes which of the following?

a. The haploid form can be multicellular; the diploid form is unicellular.
b. The haploid form is unicellular; the diploid form can be multicellular.
c. Both the haploid and diploid forms can be multicellular.
d. Neither the haploid nor the diploid forms can be multicellular.

Answer 1

Alternation of generations is a life cycle including both haploid and diploid multicellular stages, as observed in plants, some algae, and certain protists.

Step-by-step explanation:

Alternation of generations describes a life cycle in which an organism has both haploid and diploid multicellular stages. This phenomenon is observed in plants, some algae, and certain protists. In this type of life cycle, organisms alternate between two multicellular stages: the haploid gametophyte and the diploid sporophyte. The haploid gametophyte produces gametes by mitosis, and fertilization of these gametes results in the formation of a diploid zygote. The zygote then develops into the diploid sporophyte, which can undergo meiosis to produce haploid spores that will develop into new gametophytes, completing the cycle.