The wall layer which provides nourishment to the developing pollen grains is called:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Tapetum
The wall of a microsporangium has four layers: epidermis, endothecium, middle layers and tapetum.
Option (1) Epidermis — Incorrect. It is the outermost protective layer of the anther wall.
Option (2) Endothecium — Incorrect. It lies below the epidermis and helps in dehiscence, the splitting of the anther to release pollen.
Option (3) Middle Layer — Incorrect. The middle layers also give protection and help in dehiscence, like the two outer layers.
Option (4) Tapetum — Correct. It is the innermost layer; its cells have dense cytoplasm and often more than one nucleus.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 11-06-2023 (Slot 3).
NCERT Extract:
Stamen, Microsporangium and Pollen Grain – “… Structure of microsporangium: In a transverse of an anther section, a typical microsporangium appears near circular in outline. It is generally surrounded by four wall layers (Figure 1.3b)– the 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. It nourishes the developing pollen grains.”
