Question

What is the function of the tapetum?

• A. Provide protection
• B. Produce pollen grains
• C. Provide nourishment to the developing pollen grains
• D. Store and protect pollen grains

Hint:

Tapetum = Nutritive layer of the anther. Always associate tapetum with nourishment and pollen development.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The tapetum is the innermost layer of the anther wall. It surrounds the developing microspores and serves as a nutritive tissue. The proper functioning of the tapetum is essential for successful pollen development.

Step 1: Structure of Anther Wall
The anther wall consists of four layers:
• Epidermis
• Endothecium
• Middle layers
• Tapetum Among these, the tapetum is the innermost layer.

Step 2: Function of Tapetum
Tapetal cells are rich in cytoplasm and nutrients. They provide nourishment and metabolic support to developing microspores and pollen grains.

Step 3: Additional Functions
Tapetum also contributes materials required for pollen wall formation and supplies enzymes involved in pollen maturation.

Step 4: Evaluation of Options
Protection is mainly provided by outer wall layers. Pollen grains are formed from microspore mother cells, not by tapetum. Storage is not the primary role of tapetal tissue. Therefore, nourishment of developing pollen grains is its most important function. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) Provide nourishment to the developing pollen grains}} \]