Like many algae, Enteromorpha alternates between asexual and sexual life stages. Both life stages are very similar morphologically. However, the sporophyte has two sets of chromosomes, denoted as 2N, while the gametophytes have only one set of chromosomes (1N).
As shown in the following diagram, through mitosis, gametes (sexually reproductive cells) are produced by gametophytes, and then they join together and grow into a sporophyte. The sporophyte then undergoes meiosis, producing zoospores (asexual reproductive cells), and each zoospore grows into a gametophyte. The gametophyte then produces more gametes, and the cycle continues.