*Corresponding Author: anupam.kumar167@gmail.com 109 DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2024.v37spl.009 Int. J. Exp. Res. Rev., Vol. 37: 109-119 (2024) Exploring the Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbology on the Antioxidant Potential of Liverwort Asterella multiflora: A Comprehensive Study on Rhizoid and Thallus Anatomy Mamta Verma 1 , Shabnam 1 , Sandeep Kotwal 2 and Anupam Kumar 3 * ¹Department of Botany, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara- 144402, Punjab, India; ²Department of Botany, Government Degree College Doda-182202 affiliated to University of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India; ³Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara-144402, Punjab, India E-mail/Orcid Id: MV, vermamamta52@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8251-6896; S, shabnam.28725@lpu.co.in, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2949-3518; SK, s.kotwal@yahoo.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7995-5437; AK, anupam.kumar167@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6608-3860 Introduction Bryophytes comprise three major groups: hepatics (liverworts), hornworts and mosses. They are an extraordinary group among embryophytes and have high species diversity that is only next to angiosperms (Christenhusz and Byng, 2016). They are very small in size and lack true roots and a vascular system. In the life cycle of bryophytes, the gametophyte is dominant and free-living, while the sporophyte partially or wholly depends on the gametophyte for water and nutrition supply. The gametophytes of bryophytes show a thalloid organization or differentiate into root-like rhizoids, stem-like colloids and leaf-like phylloid structures. The bryophytes are very interesting miniature plants that lie between green algae and vascular plants and, thus, are considered to arise soon before the origin of land plants (Bowman et al., 2016). Bryophytes play a significant role in the ecosystem in many aspects, viz., water retention, ecological indicators, soil improvement and nutrient cycling (Rousk et al., 2017; Glime, 2020; Xiao and Bowker, 2020). They are the economically important amphibians of the plant kingdom. Furthermore, their simplicity and evolutionary significance make them Article History: Received: 12 th Oct., 2023 Accepted: 12 th Mar., 2024 Published: 30 th Mar., 2024 Abstract: Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is a vital ecological interaction between plants and fungi that enhances nutrient uptake and plant resilience. While extensively studied in vascular plants, AM symbiosis in liverworts remains relatively unexplored. Six populations of Asterella multiflora were collected throughout the year to scan for arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and enzymatic antioxidant activity. Percent mycorrhizal colonization was measured in smooth as well as tuberculated rhizoids. Anatomical detail of the thallus was also observed. Arbuscules were observed in the cells of the storage zone of the thallus. Enzymatic antioxidant activities, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase activity (APOX) and glutathione reductase activity (GR) were calculated. Maximum enzyme activity was observed in ascorbate peroxidase, which calculated 1.92-2.09 UA/mg protein, while catalase showed minimum activity of 0.01 UA/mg protein. A positive correlation was observed between enzyme activities and percent mycorrhizal colonization. This study delves into AM symbiosis in liverworts, focusing on Asterella multiflora and investigates the impact of AM colonization on enzymatic antioxidant activities, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX), catalase (CAT) ascorbate peroxidase activity (APOX) and glutathione reductase activity (GR). Antioxidants play a crucial role in stress tolerance and plant health, making them central to understanding the implications of symbiotic relationships. Keywords: Asterella multiflora, Antioxidants, Arbuscular Mycorrhiza, Liverworts How to cite this Article: Mamta Verma, Shabnam, Sandeep Kotwal and Anupam Kumar (2024). Exploring the Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbology on the Antioxidant Potential of Liverwort Asterella multiflora: A Comprehensive Study on Rhizoid and Thallus Anatomy. International Journal of Experimental Research and Review, 37(Spl.), 109-119. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2024.v37spl.009