Question

Which of the following is true regarding homospory and heterospory?
A.Homospory: one kind of spore is produced, typically resulting in the bisexual gametophyte.
B.Heterospory: two kinds of spores develop into separate male and female gametophytes.
C.Both A and B are correct.
D.Both A and B are incorrect.

Answer 1

Hint:A spore is a reproductive cell, which has the ability to form into a new organism. Spores are usually produced in asexual reproduction. Spores are usually produced by bacteria, fungi, and algae.

Complete step by step answer:Homospory occurs when the plant produces a single kind of spore, in which all of the spores produced possess uniform shape and size. These on germination can then later develop into the gametophyte and can contain both male and female gametes thus it being bisexual. Female gametangia produce egg cells and male gametangia produce sperm cells and these undergo self-fertilization. Thus the produced sporophyte produced becomes completely homozygous. On the other hand, heterospory includes the production of two different types of spores which include megaspores and microspores, which have different sizes and shapes thus forming two types of gametophytes. Heterospory is an adaptation that ensures a better survival rate for the spores.
Thus from the given set of options:
In homospory, only one kind of spore is produced and forms a bisexual gametophyte and in heterospory, it processes two different kinds of spores developing into different male and female gametophytes.
Thus the correct option is C where both the statements A and B are correct.

Note:The reproduction in bacteria through spores is mostly dormant or in the resting phase in its life cycle, helping it to serve in unfavorable conditions. It is common among Bacillus and Clostridium bacteria and can remain durable for many years.
Many fungi also reproduce through spores, mainly in species such as mushrooms. Many algae also reproduce through spores. A variety of red algae produces monospores and green algae produce non-motile spores called aplanospores and motile zoospores.