In Neurospora ,8 ascospores are formed instead of 4 .This indicates

Options

A. One meiosis
B. Two meiosis
C. Two mitosis
D. Meiosis followed by mitosis

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Neurospora**: Neurospora is a genus of fungi that primarily exists in a haploid state during most of its life cycle. This means that it has only one set of chromosomes.

2. **Formation of Ascospores**: In Neurospora, ascospores are produced in structures called asci. Typically, one ascus can contain eight ascospores.

3. **Meiosis and Mitosis**: The formation of ascospores involves two key processes: meiosis and mitosis.
- **Meiosis**: This is the process that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid nuclei from one diploid nucleus.
- **Mitosis**: This process is involved in the division of the haploid nuclei to produce additional nuclei.

4. **Process in Neurospora**: In Neurospora, the process begins with a diploid zygote formed after fertilization. This zygote undergoes:
- **Meiosis**: The diploid zygote undergoes meiosis to produce four haploid nuclei.
- **Mitosis**: Each of these four haploid nuclei then undergoes mitotic division, resulting in a total of eight haploid ascospores.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the formation of eight ascospores instead of four indicates that the process involves meiosis followed by mitosis.

**Final Answer**: The formation of eight ascospores in Neurospora indicates that meiosis is followed by mitosis.

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