Marchantia - Structure, Reproduction and Life Cycle
Marchantia belongs to the Marchantiaceae family, a nonvascular plant group with about twenty-four thousand species. Marchantia, Diagram, Classification, Structure, Reproduction, and Life Cycle are provided below.
Krati Saraswat30 May, 2025
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Marchantia: Marchantia is a type of liverwort belonging to the Marchantiaceae family and the Marchantiales order. Liverworts are small, nonvascular green plants that typically consist of only a few layers of cells. They thrive in damp environments and often form extensive colonies on the surfaces where they grow.
Marchantia is classified as a thalloid liverwort, characterized by its flattened body (known as a thallus) that spreads out over the ground. The thallus is composed of multiple layers of cells and is structurally differentiated into upper and lower layers. The upper layer contains pores that remain open permanently. This liverwort species is commonly found in seepages near steep rocky areas adjacent to streams and brooks. It is widespread and can be found in various regions, ranging from the Arctic to tropical zones. The article below provided NEET Biology Notes on Marchantia, including its classification, structure, characteristics, reproductive methods, life cycle, and more.Marchantia Classification
Marchantia belongs to the Marchantiaceae family, known as the Marchantia family. This family is classified as one of the thalloid liverwort families. Thalloid liverworts are characterized by their strap-like appearance and tend to form extensive colonies on their substrate. The following are the classifications of Marchantia:| Marchantia Classification | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Marchantia Phylum | Marchantiophyta |
| Marchantia Class | Marchantiopsida |
| Marchantia Order | Marchantiales |
| Marchantia Family | Marchantiaceae |
| Marchantia Genus | Marchantia |
Marchantia Structure
Marchantia, a type of liverwort, possesses a distinct structure that sets it apart from many other plants. Below is a detailed examination of its primary components:Thallus
The primary body of Marchantia is a flat, green structure known as a thallus. Unlike plants with distinct stems, leaves, and roots, the thallus represents a singular, integrated body responsible for all essential plant functions. This thallus can be further divided into two distinct layers:- Upper Photosynthetic Layer: This layer contains chloroplasts crucial for photosynthesis and features a well-defined upper epidermis with pores. These pores, visible as diamond-shaped markings on the upper surface, facilitate gas exchange between the plant and its surroundings.
- Lower Storage Layer: This layer lacks chloroplasts and serves as a storage tissue for food and water.
Rhizoids and Scales
On the underside of the thallus, two main structures are present:- Rhizoids: These structures, resembling hair, anchor the plant to the ground and aid in water and mineral absorption. Unlike roots, rhizoids are unicellular, composed of a single cell.
- Scales: These multicellular, purple-coloured structures also assist in water absorption and likely protect the underside of the thallus.
Reproductive Structures
Marchantia reproduces through both sexual and asexual means.- Asexual Reproduction: The upper surface of the thallus features small cup-shaped structures known as gemma cups. These cups contain clusters of cells called gemmae. When detached from the plant, gemmae can develop into new Marchantia individuals.
- Sexual Reproduction:
- Antheridia, producing sperm cells, are found on antheridiophores.
- Archegonia produces eggs located on archegoniophores.
Marchantia Characteristics
The following are the characteristics of Marchantia:- Typically found in moist and shady places.
- Thalloid structure, with a flat and dichotomously branched thallus that is dorsiventral.
- Gametophyte is the dominant phase in the plant's life cycle.
- It contains diamond-shaped markings with central pores for gas exchange; chambers are present internally beneath these markings.
- Features scales and unicellular rhizoids; rhizoids function as root-like structures for anchoring the plant and absorbing water and minerals.
- Found on the dorsal surface; bear cup-shaped structures called gemmae for asexual reproduction.
- Developed on stalks known as antheridiophores and archegoniophores; these structures contain male (antheridia) and female (archegonia) reproductive organs, respectively.
- It contains air pores opening into an air chamber within the photosynthetic zone; also includes a few chloroplasts.Storage Zone: Lies beneath the air chamber and photosynthetic zone; made up of parenchymatous cells lacking chloroplasts; stores protein, starch, oil, and mucilage.
Marchantia Monoecious or Dioecious
Marchantia is a dioecious plant, meaning it has distinct male and female reproductive structures on separate plants. In simpler terms, each Marchantia plant possesses either male or female sex organs, but not both. To achieve fertilization, the sperm from a male plant must reach the eggs of a female plant. This process typically occurs through splashing rain or when sperm swim in moist conditions.Marchantia Reproduction
Marchantia reproduces both asexually and sexually.Asexual Reproduction
Asexual reproduction in Marchantia occurs through fragmentation or the formation of specialized structures known as gemmae. Gemmae Asexual buds, known as gemmae, are responsible for asexual reproduction. They develop in receptacles called gemma cups, located on the dorsal surface near the midrib of the gametophytic thalli. Gemmae are multicellular and green in colour. Upon detachment from the parent plant, gemmae germinate to give rise to new plants.Sexual Reproduction
Marchantia is dioecious, meaning male and female sex organs develop on separate thalli. The male reproductive organ is the antheridium, while the female reproductive organ is the archegonium. These organs are borne on mature gametophytes and are erect, modified stalks known as antheridiophore and archegoniophore, respectively. Antherozoids are produced within the antheridium, where they are formed from androcytes. They are biflagellated. The archegonium is a flask-shaped structure comprising several neck canal cells, a ventral canal cell, and an egg.Fertilization
Fertilization in Marchantia, like other bryophytes, requires water. Upon water absorption, the neck canal cells and the ventral canal cell disintegrate, forming a mucilaginous mass that triggers a chemotactic response. Antherozoids are attracted and swim towards the archegonia. Upon fusion with the egg, fertilization occurs, resulting in the fusion of male and female nuclei to form a diploid zygote.Marchantia Sporophyte
The diploid zygote does not undergo meiosis immediately; instead, it undergoes mitotic division to develop into a multicellular structure known as the sporophyte. This stage of the plant is not free-living and depends on the gametophyte for nourishment. Some cells of the sporogenous tissue, known as spore mother cells (diploid), undergo meiotic division to produce haploid spores. These haploid spores are released through the dehiscence of the capsule. Under favourable conditions, they germinate to form a new haploid plant or gametophyte.Marchantia Life Cycle
The life cycle of plants classified under the Marchantia genus involves alternating between haploid and diploid phases, making Marchantia a haplodiplontic organism. The haploid phase is the free-living stage where male sperm and female ovum are produced. This stage is followed by the diploid phase, where a multicellular sporophyte develops from the zygote's mitotic division. During this process, the sporophyte relies on the mature gametophyte for sustenance and growth. Subsequently, the sporophyte produces haploid spores through meiosis. These spores then develop into new, independent male and female organisms, continuing the characteristic life cycle. Understanding this cycle sheds light on why liverworts, such as Marchantia, thrive in damp, shaded environments. This preference is due to their need for water, which is crucial for their life cycle and various other Marchantia characteristics.Sexual Reproduction In Flowering Plants
Marchantia in Hindi
मर्चेंटिया एक प्रकार का लिवरवॉर्ट है जो मर्चेंटियासी परिवार और मर्चेंटियल्स ऑर्डर से संबंधित है। लिवरवॉर्ट्स छोटे, गैर-संवहनी हरे पौधे हैं जिनमें आम तौर पर कोशिकाओं की केवल कुछ परतें होती हैं। वे नम वातावरण में पनपते हैं और अक्सर उन सतहों पर व्यापक उपनिवेश बनाते हैं जहां वे बढ़ते हैं। मर्चेंटिया को थैलॉइड लिवरवॉर्ट के रूप में वर्गीकृत किया गया है, जिसकी विशेषता इसका चपटा शरीर (थैलस के रूप में जाना जाता है) है जो जमीन पर फैला हुआ है। थैलस कोशिकाओं की कई परतों से बना होता है और संरचनात्मक रूप से ऊपरी और निचली परतों में विभेदित होता है। ऊपरी परत में छिद्र होते हैं जो स्थायी रूप से खुले रहते हैं। PW offers Online NEET Coaching . Learn from experienced educators who break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand modules. Get personalized guidance, free resources, study guides, and practice questions to ace your NEET Exam. Enroll Now!| NEET Exam Important Links | |
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Marchantia FAQs
What is the thallus structure of Marchantia?
The thallus of Marchantia is dorsiventral, meaning it has two distinct surfaces, dorsal and ventral. It is flat and dichotomously branched. The gametophyte stage is the dominant phase of the plant's life cycle. On the dorsal surface, there are diamond-shaped markings with a central pore for gaseous exchange. Internally, there are chambers located beneath the polygonal markings.
Is Marchantia a bryophyte?
Yes, Marchantia is a genus of bryophytes. Bryophytes are non-vascular plants found in moist and shady places. They lack true roots, stems, and leaves.
What is the scientific name of Marchantia?
The scientific name of Marchantia is Marchantia polymorpha. It is a species of large thalloid liverwort belonging to the class Marchantiopsida. M. polymorpha exhibits high variability in appearance and includes several subspecies. It is a dioicous species with separate male and female plants.
Is Marchantia a fungus or an alga?
Marchantia belongs to the division Marchantiophyta, which comprises liverworts, a group of bryophytes. Bryophytes are non-vascular plants placed taxonomically between algae and pteridophytes.
Where is Marchantia found in India?
Marchantia polymorpha is commonly found as a pioneer species in burnt forest soils after a fire. There are 11 species of Marchantia found in India, primarily in the Himalayas and the hills of South India. Marchantia palmate is specifically found in the eastern Himalayas.
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