Gemma (botany)

A gemma (plural gemmae) is a single cell, or a mass of cells, or a modified bud of tissue, that detaches from the parent and develops into a new individual. This type of asexual reproduction is referred to as fragmentation. It is a means of asexual propagation in plants. These structures are commonly found in fungi, algae, liverworts and mosses, but also in some flowering plants such as pygmy sundews.[1][2]

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In bryophytes

A widespread means of asexual reproduction in both liverworts and mosses is the production of gemmae - multicellular bodies that give rise to new gametophytes.

Gemmae are dispersed from gemma cups by rainfall. Gemma cups are cup-like structures which the gemma reside in while waiting for rainfall. The gemma cups, when present, are located on the thalli.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Pygmy Sundew Gemmae". Pygmy Sundew Gemmae. Cascade Carnivores. 2011. http://www.cascadecarnivores.com/index.php?cPath=34. Retrieved December 14, 2011. 
  2. ^ Hughes, Stanley John. On conidia of fungi, and gemmae of algae, bryophytes and pteridophytes. NRC Research Press. 
  3. ^ Smith, AJE (1989) The Liverworts of Britain and Ireland, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

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