Bilobed Anther – Structure of an Anther
A bilobed anther is a crucial part of the stamen required for the reproductive process of angiosperms. Its distinctive two-lobed structure houses innumerable pollen grains inside the pollen sacs in thecae. The anther plays a vital role in pollen production, maturation, storage, and release. It also enables pollen dispersal by aiding pollinators to carry pollen to the stigma for fertilization. The bilobed anther is critical for ensuring the continuity of plant life.
Bilobed Anther – Diagram and Structure of an Anther
The bilobed anther is a part of the stamen and serves as the site of pollen production and dispersal. Typically, an anther is bilobed, dithecous, and tetrasporangiate in most angiosperms with a few exceptions. The structure of a bilobed anther consists of two lobes, each containing a pair of microsporangia or pollen sacs called thecae. These thecae are where pollen grains develop and mature.
The two sporangia in each lobe become confluent at maturity and cause lysis of the septum separating them. At maturity, the anther dehisces along a slit termed the stomium to release the pollen. Mature pollen carries sperm cells to the stigma of the female reproductive part for fertilization. In this article, we will read about the bilobed anther diagram and the structure, and function of the bilobed anther.
Table of Content
- What is a Bilobed Anther?
- Bilobed Anther Diagram
- Structure of a Bilobed Anther
- T.S of Bilobed Anther
- Functions of a Bilobed Anther