Identify each of the following structures as haploid or diploid. a. sporophyte b. spore c. gametophyte d. zygote

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the ploidy level of each structure by understanding their role in the life cycle of plants. In plants, there are two alternating phases: the sporophyte phase and the gametophyte phase.
2. Recognize that the sporophyte is the diploid phase of the plant. It arises from the fusion of gametes (sperm and egg) and thus contains two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.
3. Understand that spores are produced by the sporophyte through meiosis. Since meiosis halves the chromosome number, spores are haploid, containing only one set of chromosomes.
4. Note that the gametophyte arises from the haploid spores and is therefore haploid itself. It produces gametes through mitosis, which do not alter the chromosome number.
5. Acknowledge that the zygote is formed by the fusion of two haploid gametes (sperm and egg), making it diploid as it contains two sets of chromosomes.