Abstract: Objective: To study the role of chitosan elicitor on cell growth and phenolic compound contents of Marchantia polymorpha L. Methods: Cell biomass, chlorophyll, reactive oxygen species (H₂O₂ and O^-₂), cell membrane permeability and membrane lipid peroxidation production (MDA) and phenolic secondary metabolism (phenylalanine ammonialyase and phenolic compounds) were investigated in the suspension cultures of Marchantia polymorpha induced by chitosan elicitor. Results: Cell biomass decreased(P<0.05), and chlorophyll content also decreased(P<0.01), and pH in the medium tended to be alkalization(P<0.01). Reactive oxygen species greatly increased (P<0.01) and membrane lipid peroxidation markedly intensified (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the PAL activity and phenolic compounds of secondary metabolism had a significant increase (P<0.01). Conclusion: The ability to de-oxidation decreases and an oxidation increase of Marchantia polymorpha cells induced by chitosan may favor the phenolic compounds biosynthesis.

Key words: Chitosan, Marchantia polymorpha L., Plant cell culture, Secondary metabolism, Phenolic compounds