Question

In pteridophytes, the main plant body is _ _ _ _ (i) _ _ _ _ which is _ _ _ (ii) _ _ _ into true roots, stem, and leaves.
Fill the blanks in the above statement and select the correct option.
A. (i) – sporophyte, (ii) – differentiated
B. (i) – sporophyte, (ii) – not differentiated
C. (i) – gametophyte, (ii) – differentiated
D. (i) – gametophyte, (ii) – not differentiated

Answer 1

Pteridophytes are vascular plants that belong to kingdom Plantae. Its reproduction takes place in an alternating phase with sporophyte being dominant. It is the diploid multicellular stage in its life cycle and can be well differentiated.

Complete answer: Pteridophytes are free sporing plants. Their life cycle is of alternating type with gametophyte and sporophyte phases which is independent at maturity. Here, the main plant body is sporophyte which can be well differentiated into roots, stem, and leaves. In the life cycle of a plant, the diploid multicellular stage is called the sporophyte. The sexual phase in the life cycle of a plant is gametophyte which produces gametes. Its leaves can be microphylls or megaphylls. The dominant sporophyte phase produces spores by meiosis and the gametophyte phase produces gametes by mitosis. The male sex organ antheridia produce male gametes antherozoids which are transferred to the female sex organ archegonia only in presence of water. The fusion of these gametes produces zygote and the division of zygote forms the sporophyte. Sporophyte cell consists of a double set of chromosomes. Ferns, whisk ferns, and horsetails are included in pteridophytes. They are autotrophs, meaning they can produce their own food by undergoing photosynthesis. Its growth is dependent on geographical areas.
So, from the above description, option A is the right answer.
Additional information:
Pteridophytes can be further classified as psilopsida, lycopsida, sphenopsida, and pteropsida. It is used for medicinal purposes and as soil-binders. Leaves of Pteridium are used for making green dye. The spores of club mosses are used as fingerprint powder in forensic investigation. It is also used in handicrafts.

Note: Pteridophytes are considered as the first vascular plant with vascular tissues, xylem and phloem. These plants are found in damp and shady places. Pteridophytes are also called as cryptograms because they do not produce flowers or seeds.