Question

What is the difference between prothallus and protonema?

Answer 1

       Prothallus                                                              Protonema
1. It is the gametophyte of                              It is the first stage of development pterydophytes like fern.                                           in moss plants.

2. It has a heart like shape                            It is a thread like chain of cells.

with numerous rhizoids and

sex organs antheridium (male)

and archegonium (female).

3. It is formed from already germinated              It is formed directly by the          
 spore.                                                                germination of spores.

4. Prothallus develops further to give rise       Protonema develops into to sperms and ova.                                                                       gametophyte.