In pteridophytes, reduction division takes place in :-

Options

A. Zygote
B. Spore mother cells
C. Gametangia
D. Prothallus

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Pteridophytes**: Pteridophytes are a group of vascular plants that reproduce via spores and do not produce seeds. They include ferns, horsetails, and clubmosses.

2. **Identifying the Process of Reduction Division**: Reduction division, also known as meiosis, is the process that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in haploid cells from a diploid cell.

3. **Locating Where Reduction Division Occurs**: In pteridophytes, reduction division occurs during the formation of spores. Spores are haploid structures produced from diploid cells.

4. **Identifying the Source of Spores**: The cells that undergo reduction division to produce spores are called spore mother cells (or sporogenous cells). These cells are diploid and are located within the sporangium of the sporophyte generation.

5. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Zygote**: The zygote is formed by the fusion of gametes and does not undergo reduction division. (Incorrect)
- **Spore Mother Cells**: These cells undergo meiosis to produce haploid spores. (Correct)
- **Gametangia**: These are structures that produce gametes and do not undergo reduction division. (Incorrect)
- **Prothallus**: This is the gametophyte stage in pteridophytes, which is haploid and does not undergo reduction division. (Incorrect)

6. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is that reduction division takes place in **spore mother cells** in pteridophytes.

**Final Answer**: In pteridophytes, reduction division takes place in **spore mother cells**.

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