Reproduction of Marchantia

1. REPRODUCTION IN MARCHANTIA
Reproduction:
Vegetative:
1. By Fragmentation:
2. Formation of adventitious branches:
3. Formation of Gemmae: Gemmae are multicellular bodies, develop inside gemma cups, on the upper
surface of thallus, in midrib region.
• They are green, flat, biconvex structures with a short, single celled stalk.
• Several cells thick in the middle, deeply notched at the edges.
• Meristematic cells present below the notches
• Majority cells are green chlorenchymatous. Some cells contain oil- oil cells
• Some cells on the surface are colourless- rhizoidal cells – develop into future rhizoids.
• Along with gemmae, mucilage cells found in the cup, secrete mucilage which swells and helps in
detachment of gemmae.
• Gemmae fall on soil and germinate. Rhizoidal cells develop into rhizoids. Meristematic cells of the
notch develop into two separate plants. Middle portion decay.
Sexual Reproduction: Oogamous type. Thalli are sexually dimorphic or heterothallic, male plants produce
antheridiophores and female plants produce archegoniophores at their tips.
Structure of Antheridiophore: Consists of a long stalk and a 8-lobed disc-like receptacle at the tip.
Antheridia are embedded in the upper surface of each lobe of the disc, in pit-like cavities called antheridial
chambers. Alternating with the antheridial chambers, air chambers are present (structure similar to thallus)
Antheridia are arranged in acropetal order. Each antheridium is ovoid, with a multicellular stalk. (Structure of
antheridium and spermatozoid similar to that of Riccia).

2. Structure of Archegoniophore: Consists of a
long stalk and a 8-lobed disc-like receptacle at
the tip, the lobes of the receptacle bend
downwards and inwards. Hanging structures
called rays develop from the margin of the disc.
Archegonia are present on the upper surface of
the receptacle in young archegoniophore, in
acropetal order. They are in median rows on
each lobe.
After fertilization, the central part of the disc
grows rapidly. As a result, the archegonia are
pushed to the lower surface and they become pendulous.
Between rows of archegonia, a curtain-like tissue called perichaetium or the
involucre develops. It is single cell in thickness and fringed in the margins.
Structure of Archegonia: Structure is similar to that of Riccia. Only difference is
number of Neck Canal Cells is 8 (in Riccia 4).
Fertilisation: Splash mechanism due to rain drops. Refer Riccia.
Structure of Sporophyte: The diploid zygote develops into the sporophyte inside the
venter of the archegonium. Mature sporophyte shows three distinct parts:
• Foot: The basal, broad, parenchymatous part. Embedded in the tissue of the
archegoniophore. Absorptive and anchoring in function.
• Seta: It connects the foot and capsule. Consists of many vertical rows of cells.
• Capsule: oval, spore producing structure at the apex of the sporophyte.
Covered by a single-layer of cells
called capsule wall. Many haploid
spores or meiospores and sterile
elaters are found inside the capsule.
• The spores are small globose
structures with a spore wall
consisting of exine and intine, a
single nucleus and little cytoplasm.
They germinate into new thalli.
• Elaters long ribbon-like multicellular
structures. They are hygroscopic
and help in spore dispersal.
• Mature sporophyte is protected by
three coverings – perigynium,
calyptra and perichaetium.
Dehiscence and spore dispersal: Mature
capsule splits along 4-6 lines. Spores are
released due to the hygroscopic movement
of elaters. Liberated spores germinate into
new thalli, in the presence of water.
©Dr. Jayakara Bhandary M.
Associate Professor of Botany
Govt. Degree College, Karwar