Question

Differentiate between gametangial contact and gametangial copulation.

Answer 1

In gametangial contact, gametes are never released from gametangia, but are transferred directly from one gametangium into the other. Male and female gametangia come in contact, and one or more gamete nudei migrate from the male gametangium to the female gametangium. The gametangia actually do not fuse or lose their identity during the sexual act. Whereas, gametangial copulation is characterised by the fusion of the entire contents of two compatible gametangia. The gametangia come in close contact, their walls at the point of contact dissolve and their contents mix. The two gametangia ultimately fuse, resulting in karyogamy