Plasmogamy occurs by means of ___(a) and ___(b) in Ascobolus and Peziza, respectively.

Options

A. (a) Spermatization - (b) Autogamy
B. (a) Spermatization - (b) Somatogamy
C. (a) Gametangial contact - (b) Conjugation
D. (a) Somatogamy - (b) Spermatization

Answer

To answer the question regarding the means by which plasmogamy occurs in Ascobolus and Peziza, we can break down the solution into clear steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Plasmogamy**:
- Plasmogamy is the process of fusion of the cytoplasm of two parent cells, which is a crucial step in sexual reproduction in fungi.

2. **Identifying Ascobolus**:
- Ascobolus is a type of fungus classified under the Ascomycetes group. In Ascobolus, plasmogamy occurs through a process known as **spermatization**.

3. **Defining Spermatization**:
- Spermatization involves the formation of specialized reproductive structures called **spermatia**. These are small spores that can be categorized into male and female hyphae. The fusion of these spermatia results in the formation of new organisms.

4. **Identifying Peziza**:
- Peziza is also a member of the Ascomycetes group, but it employs a different mechanism for plasmogamy known as **somatogamy**.

5. **Defining Somatogamy**:
- Somatogamy refers to the fusion of somatic hyphae, which are the vegetative parts of the fungus. This process allows for the exchange of genetic material and leads to the production of new spores or organisms.

6. **Final Answer**:
- Therefore, the correct completion of the statement is: Plasmogamy occurs by means of **(a) spermatization** in Ascobolus and **(b) somatogamy** in Peziza.