• Saroj Rani

In recent years, cryptogams—including bryophytes, lichens, algae, fungi, and pteridophytes—have emerged as valuable model organisms in plant science research. Their simple structures, evolutionary significance, and genetic accessibility offer unique opportunities to advance our understanding of plant development, environmental adaptation, and phylogenetics. Historically overshadowed by angiosperms, cryptogams play crucial roles in ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling, soil formation, and climate regulation. Their ability to thrive in diverse and extreme environments, coupled with their sensitivity to environmental changes, makes them effective bioindicators for assessing ecosystem health and the impacts of climate change. Recent advancements in molecular biology and genomic tools have further highlighted the potential of cryptogams to uncover genetic and metabolic pathways involved in stress tolerance, symbiosis, and adaptation mechanisms. Conservation initiatives, including the establishment of cryptogamic gardens and ex situ cultivation techniques, reflect a growing recognition of the importance of preserving these ancient plant lineages. Additionally, cryptogams hold significant promise in biotechnological applications, ranging from the development of biofertilizers and pharmaceuticals to enhancing climate-resilient crops. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the genetic, physiological, and ecological contributions of cryptogams to plant sciences, drawing on experimental findings related to genetic modifications and stress responses. By exploring their multifaceted roles, this paper emphasizes the potential of cryptogams to contribute substantially to both fundamental and applied research, advocating for their broader integration into mainstream botanical studies and conservation strategies.

Cryptogams, Model Plants, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Biofertilizers, Genetic Studies, Evolutionary Biology.

"The Emergence of Cryptogams as Model Plants: A Scientific Perspective", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no.c118-c125, March-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2503215.pdf

"The Emergence of Cryptogams as Model Plants: A Scientific Perspective", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no. ppc118-c125, March-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2503215.pdf