In the life cycle of Funaria first stage of the gametophyte

Options

A. Bears sex organs
B. Is branched and frequently filamentous
C. Possesses spirally arranged leaves
D. Develops directly from zygote

Answer

To answer the question regarding the first stage of the gametophyte in the life cycle of Funaria (a type of moss), we can break down the information as follows:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Funaria**: Funaria is a genus of mosses, which are classified under the group known as Bryophytes. In the life cycle of mosses, the dominant phase is the gametophyte stage.

2. **Identifying the Stages of Gametophyte**: The gametophyte stage consists of two distinct phases:
- The **first stage** is known as the **protonema stage**.
- The **second stage** is referred to as the **leafy stage**.

3. **Describing the Protonema Stage**:
- The protonema stage develops directly from a **spore**.
- It is characterized as a **creeping**, **green**, **branched**, and **frequently filamentous structure**.

4. **Characteristics of Protonema**:
- The protonema is the initial growth form after the spore germinates.
- It is important to note that the protonema does not develop from the zygote; instead, it arises from the spore.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the first stage of the gametophyte in the life cycle of Funaria is the **protonema stage**, which is a branched and filamentous structure that develops from the spore.

### Summary:
- The first stage of the gametophyte in Funaria is the **protonema stage**, characterized by its creeping, green, branched, and filamentous form.