What process in pteridophytes occurs during gamete formation?

During gamete formation in pteridophytes, the process referred to as reduction division, or meiosis, takes place. This is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the formation of haploid gametes from diploid parent cells.

In the life cycle of pteridophytes, sporophytes are the dominant generation and are diploid. When these sporophytes undergo meiosis, they produce spores that grow into haploid gametophytes. These gametophytes then produce gametes (sperm and eggs) through mitosis, but the initial reduction in chromosome number needed for gamete production occurs during meiosis—essentially setting the stage for sexual reproduction.

The other processes listed, such as cell division and mitosis, do not specifically pertain to the formation of gametes in the context of pteridophyte reproduction. Fertilization, while critical to the life cycle, occurs after gametes have been formed and does not directly relate to the formation process itself. Thus, recognizing the role of reduction division is essential in understanding how pteridophytes generate the gametes needed for reproduction.