Which layer of microsporangium is nutritive in function?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Tapetum
A microsporangium of the anther has four wall layers, from outside in: epidermis, endothecium, middle layers and tapetum.
Option (4) Tapetum — Correct. The innermost layer, the tapetum, has cells with dense cytoplasm and often more than one nucleus. It nourishes the developing pollen grains.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 14-05-2026 (Slot 2), in CUET (UG) 2025 on 27-05-2025 (Slot 2), and in CUET (UG) 2023 on 15-06-2023 (Slot 1) and 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.”
