Question

Differentiate between Zygospore and Zoospore?

Answer 1

A zygospore is the product of sexual reproduction formed by the fusion of two similar gametangia. Zoospores is the asexual motile spores which uses flagella for locomotion.

Complete answer:

Zygospore	Zoospore
A cell of fungi and algae formed by the fusion of two similar gametes is known as zygospore.	A spore of algae, fungi, protozoan capable of swimming by the means of the flagellum.
It is a type of sexual spore.	It is an asexual spore.
It is diploid in nature.	It is haploid in nature.
It consists of a very thick spore wall.	They are naked with no significant spore wall.
They are very dark.	They are hyaline.
They are non- motile.	They are motile in nature and contain more than one type of flagella.
Examples: fungi, protists, and algae.	Example: fungi and bacteria.

Additional information:
• Zoospores are very less resistant to unfavorable conditions. Whereas zygospores are more resistant to unfavorable conditions.
• Zoospores usually go under the process of mitosis to produce the next haploid generation.
• Zygospores undergo meiosis to produce the next haploid generation.
• The main function of the zoospore is to deliver the protoplasm quickly to the correct substrate. The motility of the zoospore gives them the benefit of free swimming in a freshwater environment with nonmotile spores.

Note: Zoospores produce individuals after germination and zygospores undergo development to form an embryo. Zoospores are formed in the individuals having lower entities and zygospore forms in higher plant and animal entities. Zoospores are formed inside the zoosporangium whereas Zygospores are formed by the gamete fusion.