ABSTRACT
The microtubules (MTs) in the developing gametophytes of Marchantia paleacea are directly or indirectly involved in the mechanisms controlling: the establishment of cell polarity, cell shaping, cell differentiation, and determination of the cell division plane. This chapter attempts to review the existing information and presents new data, particularly on the use of drugs that disrupt MTs, on MT function in the gametophyte development of Marchantia paleacea. Particular attention is given to the specific role of MTs in: oil body initiation and development, morphogenesis of mucilage papillae, photosynthetic filaments and air pores, development of intercellular spaces in protoderm and determination of the plane of cell division. The oil bodies (OBs) of liverworts are cytoplasmic sacs limited by a single membrane containing lipophilic globules suspended in a matrix rich in carbohydrate. Their distribution and development varies between groups. In Marchantiales, OBs are restricted to idioblasts scattered through the thalli whereas in other groups they are present in virtually every vegetative cell.
