Red alga life cycle Animation

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Life cycle of Porphyra.

The most conspicuous part of this algal life cycle is the haploid gametophyte.

This sheetlike form is collected and dried for use as nori, the wrapping for sushi.

Gametes form in packets interspersed between vegetative cells near the sheet margins.

The gametes are released into the water and combine at fertilization to form a diploid zygote.

The zygote grows and develops into a tiny, branching, filamentous sporophyte.

Meiosis of cells in the sporophyte produces haploid spores.

The spore germinates, grows, and develops into a haploid gametophyte, completing the life cycle.