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).