Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): In Marchantia, the new thallus formed by the germination of a gemma is genetically identical to the parent thallus. Reason (R): Gemmae are green, unicellular, asexual spores that develop in small receptacles called gemma cups. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer

Step-by-step solution

The Assertion is true because gemmae are asexual buds produced by mitosis, meaning the offspring they produce are clones and genetically identical to the parent thallus. The Reason is false because gemmae are multicellular, not unicellular. According to NCERT, gemmae are green, multicellular, asexual buds which develop in small receptacles called gemma cups located on the thalli. Therefore, the Assertion is true but the Reason is false. Answer: Assertion is true but Reason is false