Arrange the following layers of microsporangium starting from outer to inner order-
(A) Tapetum
(B) Endothecium
(C) Middle layers
(D) Epidermis
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → (D), (B), (C), (A)
(D) Epidermis — first. It is the outermost layer of the anther wall and covers the whole microsporangium.
(B) Endothecium — second. It lies just inside the epidermis. With the epidermis and middle layers, it protects the microsporangium and helps the anther open to release the pollen.
(C) Middle layers — third. These few layers lie between the endothecium and the tapetum.
(A) Tapetum — last. It is the innermost wall layer, next to the sporogenous tissue. Its cells have dense cytoplasm and often more than one nucleus, and they nourish the developing pollen grains.
Note: The same question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 14-05-2025 (Slot 1) and on 13-05-2025 (Slot 2), and a similar question in CUET (UG) 2026 on 29-05-2026 (Slot 1), on 24-05-2026 (Slot 2), on 22-05-2026 (Slot 2) and on 19-05-2026 (Slot 1).
NCERT Extract:
Stamen, Microsporangium and Pollen Grain – “… Structure of microsporangium: In a transverse 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.”
