Question

A dithecous anther consists of _(i)_microsporangia, _(ii)_in each hole.
A) (i) four, (ii) two
B) (i) two, (ii) one
C) (i) two, (ii) two
D) (i) four, (ii) one

Answer 1

Dithecous anther is the anther that contains two anthers lobes which are connected to each other by a connective or a sterile band. Examples are angiosperms and crotalaria mustard, solanum. Microsporangia produces microspores.

Complete Answer:
- A male reproductive part or stamen of a flower consists of two parts i.e. a knob-like terminal anther and a filament that is stalk-like. There are two lobes on each anther which is attached at the back by a connective or a sterile band.
- When the two anther lobes are present then, it is called as dithecous anther.
- A dithecous anther has four microsporangia and it is also called tetrasporangiate. There are two microsporangia present on each lobe and this is separated by a strop of sterile tissue.
- These microsporangia are present at the four corners, two in each of the holes where the microsporogenesis occurs.
- In microsporogenesis, formation of microspores takes place inside the microsporangia of the seed plant. Inside the microsporangium there are several thousands of pollen grains formed.

Thus, the correct answer is option A. i.e., (i) four, (ii) two.

Note: When there is only a single or one anther lobe present then it is called monothecous. Example: Hibiscus. Dithecous is also known as bithecous because “bi” means two or double. Dithecous are typical angiosperms that are bilobed. Bithecous anther are typically angiosperms.