Exploring the Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbology on the Antioxidant Potential of Liverwort Asterella multiflora: A Comprehensive Study on Rhizoid and Thallus Anatomy

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.