In Spirogyra, meiosis occurs during

Options

A. Vegetative reproduction
B. Zoospore formation
C. Zygospore formation
D. Gamete formation

Answer

To solve the question regarding when meiosis occurs in Spirogyra, we can break down the process step by step:

### Step 1: Understanding Spirogyra
Spirogyra is a filamentous green algae that primarily exists in freshwater environments. It has a dominant haploid gametophytic stage.

**Hint:** Remember that Spirogyra is a type of green algae and its life cycle includes both haploid and diploid stages.

### Step 2: Recognizing the Phases of the Life Cycle
In the life cycle of Spirogyra, the dominant phase is the gametophyte, which is haploid (n). The gametophytes produce gametes through mitosis.

**Hint:** Focus on the distinction between haploid and diploid stages in the life cycle of Spirogyra.

### Step 3: Formation of Zygote
When two haploid gametes (zoogametes) fuse, they form a diploid zygote. This zygote is the result of sexual reproduction.

**Hint:** Remember that the fusion of gametes leads to the formation of a zygote, which is diploid.

### Step 4: Zygospore Formation
The diploid zygote develops into a zygospore, which is a resting spore. Zygospores are formed during unfavorable conditions and can remain dormant.

**Hint:** Zygospores are important for survival during harsh conditions; they do not divide immediately.

### Step 5: Meiosis in Zygospore
When favorable conditions return, the zygospore undergoes meiosis to produce haploid zoospores. This is the reductional division that reduces the chromosome number from diploid to haploid.

**Hint:** Meiosis is a reductional division that occurs specifically during the transition from the zygospore to the haploid stage.

### Conclusion
In conclusion, meiosis occurs in Spirogyra during the formation of the zygospore, which is the diploid stage. This process is crucial for returning to the haploid phase of the life cycle.

**Final Answer:** In Spirogyra, meiosis occurs during zygospore formation.