Question

What is holdfast? What is its use? Mention the species of spirogyra having holdfast.

Answer 1

The basal cell in certain species of the aquatic plant Spirogyra is modified. The modified cell which helps the plant to attach to the substratum is known as the holdfast. The cell allows the attachment of the plant to a fixed surface. Spirogyra fluviatilis, S. rhizoides and S. dubia are the examples of the species of the Spirogyra which have the holdfast for the attachment.