Protonema is the stage in the life cycle of

Options

A. Funaria
B. Cycas
C. Selaginella
D. Mucor

Answer

To answer the question "Protonema is the stage in the life cycle of which plant?", we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Context of Protonema
Protonema is a stage in the life cycle of certain plants. It is essential to understand which group of plants this stage belongs to.

**Hint:** Look for the classification of plants that includes protonema in their life cycle.

### Step 2: Understand the Life Cycle of Bryophytes
Protonema is specifically associated with bryophytes, which are non-vascular plants. Bryophytes include mosses and liverworts. The life cycle of bryophytes is characterized by two main stages: the gametophyte stage and the sporophyte stage.

**Hint:** Recall that bryophytes are often referred to as the "amphibians of the plant kingdom."

### Step 3: Define the Protonema Stage
The protonema stage is the initial phase of the gametophyte generation in mosses. It develops directly from spores and is characterized by a creeping, green, branched, and filamentous structure.

**Hint:** Think about how the protonema stage develops and its characteristics.

### Step 4: Identify Examples of Plants with Protonema
Among the options provided (Phaneria, Cycus, Laginella, and Muca), Phaneria (a type of moss) is the correct answer. Mosses are known for having a protonema stage in their life cycle.

**Hint:** Consider which of the listed plants are classified as mosses.

### Conclusion
Protonema is the stage in the life cycle of **Phaneria**, which is a type of moss.

### Final Answer
Protonema is the stage in the life cycle of **Phaneria** (a type of moss).