Which one of the following layers of microsporangium nourishes the developing pollen grains?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Tapetum
Option (1) Endothecium — Incorrect. The endothecium is the layer just inside the epidermis. Its job is protection and helping the anther open (dehiscence) to release the pollen, not feeding the pollen.
Option (2) Tapetum — Correct. The tapetum lies next to the sporogenous tissue, where the pollen grains are formed. Its cells have dense cytoplasm and usually more than one nucleus, which suits a layer that supplies food to the developing pollen.
Option (3) Epidermis — Incorrect. The epidermis is the outermost wall layer. It protects the microsporangium.
Option (4) Middle layer — Incorrect. The middle layers lie between the endothecium and the tapetum. Like the two outer layers, they protect the microsporangium and help in dehiscence.
Note: The same question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 14-05-2026 (Slot 2), and in CUET (UG) 2023 on 15-06-2023 (Slot 1), and a similar question in CUET (UG) 2023 on 11-06-2023 (Slot 3), and in CUET (UG) 2022 on 16-07-2022 (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.”
