Final answer:
A Marchantia Gemma cup under the microscope looks like a small, cup-shaped structure with cell clusters called gemmae. These gemmae are fundamental for asexual reproduction, dispersed by rain impact and capable of growing into new plants. Marchantia also has structures for sexual reproduction: antheridiophores and archegoniophores.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the microscope, a Marchantia Gemma cup appears as a small, cup-shaped structure on the upper surface of the gametophyte. Inside these splash cups, there are clusters of cells known as gemmae. These gemmae are key to the organism’s asexual reproduction as they can be dispersed when raindrops hit the cup, possibly leading to the growth of new gametophytes if they land in a suitable environment. The gemmae at the base, visible under magnification, are capable of developing into new Marchantia plants, highlighting the efficient reproductive strategy of this complex thalloid liverwort.
In addition to gemmae cups, Marchantia also features antheridiophores and archegoniophores. Antheridiophores bear antheridia that produce sperm on the upper surface, while archegoniophores have archegonia that produce eggs on the lower surface. Both structures are involved in sexual reproduction and extend above the main body of the thallus.