In Marchantia polymorpha, sperm cells are released from the antheridium into the surroundings. The process is facilitated by MpMLO1, which initiates Ca2+-dependent programmed cell death of tip jacket cells of the mature antheridium, enabling water to enter and ultimately resulting in the bursting of the antheridium and the discharge of sperm.
- Meng-Xing Cao
- Shi-Zhen Li
- Hong-Ju Li