Functions of a Bilobed Anther
The main function of a typical anther is to help in plant reproduction. The following are its functions:
- Pollen production- A typical bilobed anther of angiosperms acts as a site for the production of microgametophytes or pollen grains. The pollen grains are the carriers of male gametes which play a central role in plant reproduction.
- Pollen maturation- Anther supports the maturation of the microsporocytes or pollen mother cells. These microsporocytes undergo meiosis to produce haploid microspores. The microspores then develop into the microgametophytes or pollen grains following two mitotic divisions.
- Pollen storage- Inside the thecae of a bilobed anther remain pollen sacs or microsporangia to store large amounts of pollen grains.
- Pollen release- When an anther matures, it dehisces at the stomium, to release the pollen grain content inside.
- Pollen dispersal- The bilobed anther is strategically positioned on a stalk-like filament to assist in pollen dispersal. This allows bees and other passing pollinators to come in contact with the released pollen and transport it to the stigma.
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