Most reduced sized gametophyte is of

Options

A. Bryophyte
B. Pteridophyte
C. Gymnosperm
D. Angiosperm

Answer

To determine which plant group has the most reduced size gametophyte, we need to analyze the characteristics of gametophytes in different plant groups: bryophytes, pteridophytes (teratophytes), gymnosperms, and angiosperms.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Gametophytes**:
- Gametophytes are the haploid multicellular stage in the life cycle of plants. They are responsible for producing gametes (sperm and eggs) through mitosis.

2. **Bryophytes**:
- In bryophytes (like mosses), the gametophyte is the dominant and independent stage of the life cycle. It is relatively large and photosynthetic.

3. **Pteridophytes (Teratophytes)**:
- In pteridophytes (ferns), the gametophyte is also independent but smaller than that of bryophytes. It is heart-shaped and can survive independently for a while.

4. **Gymnosperms**:
- In gymnosperms, the male gametophyte is reduced to pollen grains, while the female gametophyte develops within the ovule. This reduction is significant, but the gametophyte is still more complex than in angiosperms.

5. **Angiosperms**:
- In angiosperms (flowering plants), the gametophyte is highly reduced. The male gametophyte is represented by the pollen grain, which consists of only a few cells. The female gametophyte (embryo sac) is also reduced to just a few cells and is completely dependent on the sporophyte for nutrition.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Comparing all the groups, angiosperms have the most reduced size gametophyte. Therefore, the correct answer is **D) Angiosperm**.