Module: | Pollination & Outbreeding Devices
Q42: Consider the following statements regarding the structure and function of the endothecium:
1. The endothecium is the structural wall layer located immediately inside the epidermis of the mature anther.
2. The cells of the endothecium develop thick alpha-cellulosic fibrous bands primarily on their inner and radial walls.
3. These fibrous bands are highly hydrophobic, purposefully preventing water loss to keep the anther permanently sealed.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
2. The cells of the endothecium develop thick alpha-cellulosic fibrous bands primarily on their inner and radial walls.
3. These fibrous bands are highly hydrophobic, purposefully preventing water loss to keep the anther permanently sealed.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
✅ Correct Answer: A
The correct option is A. Statements 1 and 2 are correct, but Statement 3 is incorrect.
The anther wall consists of four distinct structural layers: the epidermis, the endothecium, the middle layers, and the tapetum.
The endothecium, situated directly beneath the protective epidermis, plays a mechanical role in reproduction.
As the anther matures, the cells of the endothecium enlarge and lay down prominent fibrous thickenings made of alpha-cellulose on their inner tangential and radial walls.
Statement 3 fundamentally misunderstands the mechanism of anther dehiscence.
These fibrous bands are actually highly hygroscopic (water-absorbing), not hydrophobic.
As the mature anther dehydrates in the dry air, these differential thickenings contract unevenly.
This causal physical tension ultimately ruptures the stomium (a weak point in the anther lobe), allowing the successful shedding of pollen grains.
The anther wall consists of four distinct structural layers: the epidermis, the endothecium, the middle layers, and the tapetum.
The endothecium, situated directly beneath the protective epidermis, plays a mechanical role in reproduction.
As the anther matures, the cells of the endothecium enlarge and lay down prominent fibrous thickenings made of alpha-cellulose on their inner tangential and radial walls.
Statement 3 fundamentally misunderstands the mechanism of anther dehiscence.
These fibrous bands are actually highly hygroscopic (water-absorbing), not hydrophobic.
As the mature anther dehydrates in the dry air, these differential thickenings contract unevenly.
This causal physical tension ultimately ruptures the stomium (a weak point in the anther lobe), allowing the successful shedding of pollen grains.