In bryophytes, the gemmae help in which one of the following? 

The correct answer is Asexual reproduction

Explanation:

• Bryophytes are a group of non-vascular plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. They are characterized by their simple structure and life cycle, which involves alternation of generations.
• In bryophytes, gemmae are small, multicellular structures that serve as a means of vegetative (asexual) reproduction.
• Asexual reproduction in Marchantia (Liverwort) takes place by fragmentation of thalli, or by the formation of specialized structures called gemmae (sing. Gemma).
• In Marchantia, the plant body consists of a dorsiventrally flattened, prostrate and dichotomously branched thallus.
• The thalli are conspicuous, apex of each thallus is notched.
• Along the mid-rib are present characteristic, prominent goblet or cup-shaped structures, the gemma cups, with smooth, dentate or frilled margins.
• These cups enclose asexual reproductive bodies called gemma.
• Gemmae are green, multicellular, asexual buds, which develop in small receptacles called gemma cups located on thalli.
• The gemmae become detached from the parent body and germinate to form new individuals.

Fig: A liverwort – Marchantia (a) Female thallus (b) Male thallus