Question

What is the role of the innermost wall layer, the tapetum in the pollen sac? 

(a) Dehiscence 

(b) Safety 

(c) Nutrition 

(d) Mechanical

Answer 1

The answer is (c) Nutrition

• The wall of pollen sac comprises of four layers: Epidermis, Endothecium, Middle layers and Tapetum. 
• 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 which completely surrounds the sporogenous tissue. 
• Epidermis is outermost layer and provides protection. 
• Endothecium develops fibrous thickenings at maturity and help in anther dehiscence. 
• Middle layers store reserve food materials. 
• Tapetum nourishes the developing pollen grains.