Question

Developing pollen obtains its nutrition from

• A. Endothecium
• B. Tapetum
• C. Epidermis
• D. Middle layer

Answer 1

The correct option is B Tapetum

Anther wall comprises of four layers: Epidermis, Endothecium, Middle layers and Tapetum. The epidermis is followed by a single layer of Endothecium, 2-3 middle layers and a single layer of Tapetum. Tapetum is the innermost layer of the anther wall and surrounds the sporogenous tissue completely. Epidermis functions as a protective covering.Endothecium develops fibrous thickenings at maturity, which are hygroscopic in nature and helps in anther dehiscence. Middle layers are involved in the storage of reserve food material during early stages of microspores development which later get mobilized to the developing microspores. Tapetum provides nutrition to the developing microspores which form the pollen grains. Hence, developing pollen grains obtain their nutrition from the cells of Tapetum.

So, the correct answer is B.