Which one of the following has haplontic life cycle?

Options

(a) Polytrichum
(b) Ustilago
(c) Wheat
(d) Funaria

Correct Answer:

Ustilago

Explanation:

Ustilago has a haplontic life cycle. This is a simplest and most primitive type of life cycle. The other pattern of life-cycle have originated from this type. This type is found in all Chlorophyceae. In such cases the somatic phase (plant) is haploid (Gametophyte) while the diploid phase (Sporophyte) is represented by zygote. During germination the zygote (2n) divides meiotically producing haploid (n) zoospores, which develop into individual plant. Here the unicellular or filamentous gametophyte (n) alternates with one-celled zygote or sporophyte (2n). The haploid filamentous plants are known as haploid which reproduce asexually by zoospores or aplanospores producing the individals like parents.