Spermatophyte VS Gametophyte

 In simple terms, plants go through a life cycle that involves two main stages: the sporophyte and the gametophyte.

1. **Sporophyte:**

   - The sporophyte is the diploid, or 2n, phase of the plant life cycle.

   - It begins with the fertilization of gametes (sperm and egg) and develops into a multicellular structure.

   - This stage is usually dominant in vascular plants like trees and flowers.

   - The sporophyte produces spores through a process called meiosis.

2. **Gametophyte:**

   - The gametophyte is the haploid, or 1n, phase of the plant life cycle.

   - It develops from spores and produces gametes (sperm and egg) through mitosis.

   - In contrast to sporophytes, gametophytes are generally smaller and simpler in structure.

   - In some plants, like mosses, the gametophyte stage is the dominant and independent phase.

In summary, the sporophyte is the phase where plants produce spores, and it's usually the more visible and complex part of the life cycle. The gametophyte, on the other hand, is the stage where plants produce gametes, and it is often smaller and less conspicuous, depending on the type of plant.