Life cycle of Marchantia?
Life cycle of Marchantia is diplohaplontic and is characterized by sporogenic meiosis and heterologous type of alternation of generations. There Occur two morphologically and cytologically distinct individuals in the life cycle of Marchantia; the haploid gametophyte meant for the production of gametes and diploid sporophyte meant for the production of haploid spores.Both the haploid and diploid phases are represented by multicellular structures. The main free-living plant body is the gametophyte (haploid). The short-lived sporophyte (diploid) stage is dependent on the gametophyte for anchorage and nourishment.
Graphical life cycle of Marchantia:
The life cycle of Marchantia shows regular alternation of two morphologically distinct phases. One of the generations is Haplophase and the other is diplophase.
