Name: Types of Cross-Pollination
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 4 min 6 s
Description: It can't bee!? Bees and butterflies are common pollinators, but many other types of animals and abiotic factors aid pollination. Explore the world of pollina...

Question

Describe the structure of a typical angiospermic microsporangium with a diagram. Also, explain the function of each part.

Accepted Answer

Microsporangium is a structure located in the anther of the stamen that contains microspores. A typical anther consists of four microsporangia. Each microsporangium consists of four wall layers, i.e. the outer epidermis, endothecium, middle layers, and tapetum. Inside the wall layer, a mass of diploid sporogenous tissue is there. This sporogenous tissue gives rise to pollen mother cells and undergoes meiosis to form haploid microspores. These microspores give rise to pollen grains.

Epidermis: It is the outermost covering of the anther. It provides protection and helps in the dehiscence of anther.

Endothecium: It is the second layer of the wall of the anther inner to the epidermis that consists of large cells. In a typical anther, the endothelial cells develop a fibrous thickening. Thus, it is also called a fibrous layer. It performs the function of protection of the developing pollen grains and helps in the dehiscence of the anther that releases the pollen grains.

Middle layers: Inner to the endothecium 2-3 layers of the middle layers are present. These layers develop fibrous thickening. It also provides protection to the developing microspores and helps in their dehiscence.

Tapetum: It is the innermost layer of the wall layers that consists of more than one nucleus. This layer provides nourishment to the developing microspores.

Describe the structure of a typical angiospermic microsporangium with a diagram. Also, explain the function of each part.

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