Question

Elaters of Marchantia are
A. Haploid
B. Diploid
C. Triploid
D. Polyploid

Answer 1

An elater is a cell which is hygroscopic and can change shape with changes in moisture and environment. They are tubular with spiral thickenings and also help in spore release.

Complete step by step answer:
- Marchantia can reproduce by sexually as well as asexually.
- Asexual reproduction takes place by means of gemmae which are genetically same to the parent.
- It contains two different layers:
An upper photosynthetic layer- well defined upper epidermis.
Lower storage layer.
- It is commonly found in the Northern Hemisphere.
- It shows an alternation of generation.
- Usually green but older plants are brown or purple in color.

Uses:
- Antifungal.
- Remedy for lung ailments and tuberculosis.

Life cycle of marchantia:
1. By fragmentation- older regions of thallus degenerate and younger regions produce new plant bodies.
2. By adventitious branches- branches grow into new plant bodies.
3. By gemmae- asexual reproduction where gammae fall on the ground and thus produce new body.
4. By sexual reproduction- it takes place by fusion of both male and female gamete.
In Marchantia, some of the sporophytes (spore mother cells) that are diploid will remain diploid and undergo a change to form elaters. The other majority of sporophytes will undergo meiosis and form haploid spores. So, in Marchantia the elaters are diploid.

Thus, the correct option is ‘B’.

Note:
Marchantia polymorpha is a common species. Marchantia grows in cool and moist shady places. It is a genus of Family Marchantiaceae. Merchantia polymorpha also called umbrella is a liverwort that forms a rosette with forked branches.