Plant Reproductive Biology Quiz

What is the process that occurs before the flower is visible on a plant?

What is the name of the stalk that connects the anther to the thalamus or petal of the flower?

What is the characteristic of a typical angiosperm anther?

What is the name of the male reproductive organ in a flower?

What is the term for the part of the flower that represents the female reproductive organ?

What can be observed by examining different stamens from various flowers under a microscope?

What is the shape of the anther in the transverse section?

How many microsporangia are located at each corner of the anther?

What is the function of the outer three wall layers of the microsporangium?

What is the characteristic feature of the cells of the tapetum?

What is the tissue that occupies the centre of each microsporangium in a young anther?

What is the ploidy of the cells of the tetrad formed after meiotic divisions?

Anther Structure

An anther is a four-sided (tetragonal) structure consisting of four microsporangia located at the corners, two in each lobe.
Each microsporangium develops into a pollen sac, extending longitudinally throughout the length of the anther and packed with pollen grains.

Microsporangium Structure

A microsporangium appears near circular in outline in a transverse section.
It is surrounded by four wall layers: epidermis, endothecium, middle layers, and the tapetum.
The outer three wall layers perform the function of protection and help in dehiscence of anther to release the pollen.
The innermost wall layer is the tapetum, which nourishes the developing pollen grains.
Tapetal cells possess dense cytoplasm and generally have more than one nucleus.

Microsporogenesis

The cells of the sporogenous tissue undergo meiotic divisions to form microspore tetrads.
The ploidy of the cells of the tetrad is haploid.

Reproductive Structures

The androecium represents the male reproductive organ, consisting of a whorl of stamens.
Each stamen consists of a filament and a terminal, generally bilobed, anther.
The proximal end of the filament is attached to the thalamus or petal of the flower.
The number and length of stamens are variable in flowers of different species.

Anther Variation

Typical angiosperm anthers are bilobed, with each lobe having two theca (dithecous).
A longitudinal groove often runs lengthwise, separating the theca.
There is a large variation in size, shape, and attachment of anthers in different flowers.

Test your knowledge of plant reproductive biology, including the development of floral primordium, inflorescences, and the differentiation of male and female reproductive structures. From hormonal changes to flower formation, see how well you understand the process. Take this quiz to find out!