Question

An anther with malfunctioning tapetum often fails to produce viable male gametophytes. Give any one reason.

Answer 1

Hint: The function of the tapetal cells in sporopollenin precursor production is unambiguous, but its role in sporopolle-nin synthesis is not obvious. During the free microspore point, Tapetum secretes polysaccharides into the locules, which are ingested by microspores.

Complete answer:
- A tapetum is a unique layer of flowering plant nutritional cells present inside the anther, where it is situated between both the sporogenous tissue and the wall of the anther.
- As well as the origin of precursors for the pollen coat, Tapetum is essential for the nutrition and growth of pollen grains. The unusually broad nuclear structure of the tapetum allows it to supply pollen grains with nutrition and regulatory molecules.
- Tapetum assists in the forming of the pollen wall, nutrient transfer to the inner surface of the anther, callase enzyme synthesis for microspore tetrad separation.
- The male gametophyte does not obtain any nutrients; growth does not occur and thus fails to provide effective male gametophytes because the tapetum is malfunctioned.

Note: The cells are typically larger and contain more than one nucleus per cell, generally. The nuclei of tapetal cells also separate when the sporogenous cells undergo mitosis. Sometimes, this mitosis is not natural since several mature tapetum cells become multinucleated. Polyploidy and polythene can also be used occasionally.