Therefore, "gametophyte" literally means "gamete plant". This refers to the multicellular haploid phase in the life cycle of plants and some algae, which is responsible for producing gametes (sex cells).
Here's a breakdown:
* Gamete: A reproductive cell (sperm or egg) that fuses with another gamete during fertilization.
* Phyte: Plant
So, a gametophyte is a plant-like organism that produces gametes.