Question

Consider the following statements and mark the correct option(s).

1. The long and slender stalk of a stamen is called the Anther.

2. The terminal bilobed structure of the Anther is called the filament.

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Neither 1 nor 2

The correct answer is Neither 1 nor 2.

• The two parts of a typical stamen are the long and slender stalk called the filament and the terminal generally bilobed structure called the anther. Hence statements 1 and 2 are not correct.
• The proximal end of the filament is attached to the thalamus or the petal of the flower.
• The number and length of stamens are variable in flowers of different species.
• If you collect a stamen each from ten flowers (each from different species), you would be able to appreciate the large variation in size seen in nature.
• Careful observation of each stamen under a dissecting microscope and making neat diagrams would elucidate the range in shape and attachment of anthers in different flowers.
• A typical angiosperm anther is bilobed with each lobe having two thecae, i.e. they are dithecous.
• Often a longitudinal groove runs lengthwise separating the theca.
• The bilobed nature of an anther is very distinct in the transverse section of the anther.
• The anther is a four-sided (tetragonal) structure consisting of four microsporangia located at the corners, two in each lobe.
• The microsporangia develop further and become pollen sacs.
• They extend longitudinally all through the length of an anther and are packed with pollen grains.