The predominant phase in the life cycle of the Bryophytes is haploid and is called gametophyte. The gametes are formed in the gametangia, called the antheridia for the production of male gametes and the archaegonia, for the production of female gametes.
Gametic fusion results in the formation of a diploid sporophyte, which is partially parasitic on the gametophyte and is represented by a foot, a seta, and a capsule.
The capsule contains the spores, which are developed due to meiosis.
The spores germinate under suitable conditions and develop into the juvenile, filamentous protonema stage.
Finally, the protonema develops into a mature gametophyte.
Prothallus is associated with ferns. Peristome teeth are present in the capsule of certain mosses.