Comparative spermatogenesis in the Jungermanniales (Hepaticae) I. Observations on the structure of the young spermatids ofCephalozia lunulifoliaandChiloscyphus pallescens

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Abstract
A comparative analysis of the young spermatids of Cephalozia and Chiloscyphus reveals the organization of the Jungermannialian blepharoplast as basically the same as in other hepatics and mosses. Common features include the 4-layered multilayered structure, the spatulate, asymmetrical anterior portion of the spline, and the staggered subapical insertion of the basal bodies each with proximal triplet extensions. The range of spline widths in the Jungermanniales appears as great as in other groups of bryophytes and of no major taxonomic significance, but the position of the spline aperture may be more variable in hepatics than mossess. The lengths of the basal bodies are intermediate between those from unrelated taxa in other orders of hepatics. The Jungermannialian spermatids apparently exhibit many taxonomic variations and novel features. Whereas the left-lateral expansion of the spline in Cephalozia is common to most other bryophytes, a right-lateral expansion is peculiar to Marsupella. Chiloscyphus manifests an intermediate condition: its spline is unequally bilateral, the left-lateral expansion wider than the right. Lateral extensions of the lamellar strip beyond the spline in Cephalozia. Chiloscyphus and Marsupella have been previously recorded only in Anthocerotae. A posterior notch on the right hand side of the lamellar strip in Marchantiales is absent in Chiloscyphus and Cephalozia and has not been observed in the Metzgeriales.