Which types of gametes are found in Spirogyra?

Question

Accepted Answer

1) Biological context: Spirogyra is a filamentous green alga that reproduces sexually by conjugation; pairs of adjacent cells form conjugation tubes and their cell contents act as gametes.

2) Morphology of gametes: The gametic protoplasts produced in corresponding cells are similar in size and shape, so they are considered isogamous (i.e., gametes are morphologically alike).

3) Motility and flagella: Spirogyra gametes are non-motile; they do not possess flagella and instead meet and fuse via the conjugation tube rather than swimming.

4) Chromosome number on fusion: Each gamete is haploid ($n$); fusion of two similar, non-flagellated gametes produces a diploid zygospore ($2n$), consistent with isogamy and non-flagellation.

5) Conclusion: Because the gametes of Spirogyra are morphologically similar (isogamous) and lack flagella (non-flagellated), the correct characterization matches option D.

FINAL_ANSWER: D

Answer

Answer

Answer