Tapetum is the innermost layer of cells found in the anther. It plays a role in providing nutrition for the microspores present in the anther. It is also known to contribute to the synthesis of sporopollenin, which is the material required for pollen grain wall formation.
Two types of Tapetum
- Secretory Tapetum: It is also known as the Glandular tapetum. This type of anther remains surrounded by the anther locule.
- Amoeboid Tapetum: It is also known as Plasmodial tapetum. In this type, a multinucleate plasmodium is formed after the dissolution of the tapetal cell walls.
Functions of Tapetum
- It helps in pollen wall formation.
- It transports nutrients to the inside of anthers.
- It synthesises callase enzyme for the separation of the microspore tetrads.
- Development of Orbicules.
- It also synthesises pollenkitt and tryphine, which bind pollen grain together and also help in effective pollination.
Keep exploring BYJU’S Biology for more such interesting concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1
What are the characteristics of tapetum?
Tapetum is a radial layer of nutritive cells found in the innermost layer of an anther.
Q2
Why is tapetum polyploid?
Tapetum cells sometimes undergo cell division abnormally, i.e., the DNA material and nuclei are doubled, but no cell wall formation takes place. Hence they become polyploid.
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