What happens with the prothallus after fertilization?

[jaumzaum]

The prothallus is the small gamethophyte stage in pteridophytes. What happens with it after the fertilization and growth of the sporophyte?

It stay attached? It degenerates?

 

[Erico Romaric]

The prothallus is the small gamethophyte stage in pteridophytes. What happens with it after the fertilization and growth of the sporophyte?

It stay attached? It degenerates?

It serves as anchorage and food supply to the parasitic sporophyte