Advancing Marchantia polymorpha Research: Unveiling Physiological, Developmental, and Evolutionary Insights

About this Research Topic

Background

Marchantia polymorpha, a bryophyte, has been a subject of basic research since the 18th century. In recent decades, it has gained significant scientific interest as a model plant for studying various aspects of plant physiology, development, evolution, and interactions with pathogens and symbionts. This interest is driven by its ease of cultivation, global distribution, simple genome, and the availability of extensive genomic resources. The life cycle of M. polymorpha, dominated by a gametophytic haploid phase, makes it particularly suitable for genetic studies. Additionally, its phylogenetic position offers valuable insights into the evolutionary transition from non-vascular to vascular plants. Despite these advantages, there remain gaps in our understanding of its physiology, ecology, and molecular interactions, necessitating further research to fully exploit its potential as a model organism.

This research topic aims to consolidate and expand our understanding of Marchantia polymorpha by addressing key questions and hypotheses related to its physiology, development, and evolutionary significance. Specifically, the research will focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying its physiological processes, developmental pathways, and interactions with other organisms. By doing so, we aim to uncover new bioactive molecules and microorganisms with biotechnological potential, thereby enhancing the utility of M. polymorpha in both basic and applied plant sciences.

To gather further insights into the diverse aspects of Marchantia polymorpha, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Physiological aspects of Marchantia as a model plant
- Studies on the development of Marchantia and its relationship with vascular plants
- Evolutionary approaches to the biology of Marchantia
- Marchantia as a source of new bioactive molecules
- Marchantia as a source of new microorganisms with biotechnological potential
- Study of evolutionary molecular plant-microbe interactions in Marchantia

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: model plant, Marchantia polymorpha, vascular plants, phylogenetic relationships, plant evolution, bioactive, plant biotechnology, evolutionary molecular plant-microbe interactions

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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