Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding bryophytes ?

Options

A. Zygote undergoes meiosis to produce sporphyte
B. Zygote undergoes mitosis to form embryo proper
C. Fertilisation takes place in presence of water
D. Sporophyte is parasitic over gametophyte

Answer

To determine which statement is incorrect regarding bryophytes, we need to analyze the life cycle and characteristics of these organisms. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

### Step 1: Understand the Life Cycle of Bryophytes
Bryophytes have a unique life cycle that includes two main stages: the gametophyte stage and the sporophyte stage.

- **Gametophyte Stage**: This is the dominant stage in bryophytes. The gametophyte is haploid (N) and produces gametes (sperm and eggs) through mitosis.
- **Sporophyte Stage**: This stage is diploid (2N) and develops from the zygote after fertilization. The sporophyte produces spores through meiosis.

### Step 2: Identify Key Characteristics
1. **Gametophyte Dominance**: In bryophytes, the gametophyte is the main and most visible part of the plant.
2. **Water Requirement for Fertilization**: Bryophytes require water for the sperm to swim to the egg for fertilization.
3. **Zygote Development**: The zygote formed after fertilization undergoes mitosis to develop into the sporophyte, not meiosis.

### Step 3: Analyze the Statements
Now, let’s analyze the statements provided in the question:

1. **Zygote undergoes meiosis to produce sporophyte**: This statement is incorrect because the zygote undergoes mitosis to develop into the sporophyte.
2. **Zygote undergoes mitosis to form proper embryo**: This statement is correct.
3. **Fertilization takes place in the presence of water**: This statement is also correct.
4. **Sporophyte is parasitic over gametophyte**: This statement is true as the sporophyte depends on the gametophyte for nutrition.

### Conclusion
The incorrect statement regarding bryophytes is: **"Zygote undergoes meiosis to produce sporophyte."**