Question

“Gemmae” are multicellular green structures for vegetative propagation. These are found in gemma cups in

• A. Riccia thallus
• B. Marchantia thallus
• C. Funaria protonema
• D. Fern prothallus

Hint:

NCERT Fact: Marchantia + Gemma Cups + Gemmae is a very frequently asked biology combination. Always associate vegetative reproduction through gemmae with Marchantia.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: In liverworts, vegetative propagation occurs via gemmae—multicellular, green, haploid bodies formed in gemma cups. Rain splashes them out, and each develops into a new plant.

Step 1: Analyze Riccia.
Riccia reproduces vegetatively by fragmentation, not via gemma cups. Incorrect.

Step 2: Analyze Marchantia.
Marchantia thallus bears distinct gemma cups on its dorsal surface containing numerous gemmae. This is the classic example. Correct.

Step 3: Analyze Funaria.
Funaria (a moss) has protonema for propagation but lacks gemma cups. Incorrect.

Step 4: Analyze fern prothallus.
The fern gametophyte bears sex organs, not gemma cups. Incorrect.

Final Answer: Marchantia thallus (option B).