Question

Site of karyogamy and meiosis in sac fungi is

• A. Ascus mother cell
• B. Ascospore
• C. Ascus
• D. Ascocarp

Answer 1

The correct option is D Ascocarp

Before the initiation of sexual reproduction, a special type of hyphae developed in the mating strain of fungi. The male strain produces the antheridium and female strain develop the ascogonium. In fungi, sexual reproduction occurs in three stages - plasmogamy, karyogamy and meiosis.

Plasmogamy: It is the fusion of protoplasm of antheridium and ascogonium. Due to this process nuclei of male and female gamete come together. It takes place in a structure called ascocarp. During this process no nuclear fusion takes place.

Karyogamy: It is the process in which fusion of nuclei of takes place. It also takes place in ascocarp. During this event, a diploid zygote is formed.

Meiosis: As a diploid zygote is formed, zygote immediately undergoes reductional division (i.e. meiosis) to produce meiospore. This event also takes place in ascocarp.

Thus, the correct answer is 'Ascocarp.'