Stamen Anatomy Quiz

What are the two parts of a typical stamen?

Where is the proximal end of the filament attached?

How many microsporangia are typically present in each lobe of an anther?

What is the characteristic feature of an angiosperm anther in a transverse section?

What is the term used to describe an anther with two lobes and two theca in each lobe?

What does a typical microsporangium develop into?

What is the proximal part of a stamen called?

How would you describe the attachment of anthers in different flowers?

What is the nature of an angiosperm anther in a transverse section?

What is the characteristic feature of a dithecous anther?

In a transverse section, what is the appearance of a typical microsporangium?

What structure becomes packed with pollen grains as it develops?

Stamen Structure

A stamen consists of two parts: the filament, a long and slender stalk, and the anther, a terminal generally bilobed structure.
The proximal end of the filament is attached to the thalamus or the petal of the flower.

Variation in Stamen Size and Shape

The number and length of stamens are variable in flowers of different species.
Collecting stamens from different species and arranging them on a slide would show a large variation in size.
Observing each stamen under a dissecting microscope and making diagrams would reveal the range in shape and attachment of anthers in different flowers.

Anther Structure

A typical angiosperm anther is bilobed with each lobe having two theca, making it dithecous.
Often, a longitudinal groove runs lengthwise, separating the theca.
The bilobed nature of an anther is distinct in the transverse section of the anther.

Transverse Section of Anther

The anther is a four-sided (tetragonal) structure consisting of four microsporangia located at the corners, two in each lobe.
The microsporangia develop further and become pollen sacs, extending longitudinally throughout the length of the anther and packed with pollen grains.

Microsporangium Structure

In a transverse section, a typical microsporangium appears near circular in outline.

Test your knowledge on the structure and variability of stamens in flowers. Learn about the filament, anther, and their attachment to the thalamus. Explore the variations in stamen size across different flower species.