Question

Development of microsporangia in anther is from a
A. A single cell- eusporangiate
B. A single cell- leptosporangiate
C. Group of hypodermal cells- leptosporangiate
D. Group of hypodermal cells- eusporangiate

Answer 1

The microsporangia/pollen sacs developed in a group of epidermal cells.

Step by step answer: Microsporangia or pollen sacs produce mature male gametophytes for fertilization in plants.
A eusporangiate is referred to as a group of epidermal cells.
A leptosporangiate is referred to as a single epidermal cell.
The development of microsporangia: An anther has a homogeneous clustered mass of hypodermal cells which is enveloped by a single layer of the epidermis. Below the epidermis, some cells comprise a prominent nucleus and a dense cytoplasm. These cells are known as archesporial cells that differentiate to form an outer group of cells referred to as parietal cells and an inner group of cells known as sporogenous cells. The cells of the parietal group divide by periclinal and anticlinal divisions and form anther wall which has 2 to 5 layers. The sporogenous cells can directly act as microspore mother cells or they may further divide by mitosis and then function as microspore mother cells. So, microsporangia are formed from a cluster of hypodermal cells. So, microsporangia are formed from several epidermal cells and not from a single cell.
Hence option D is correct.

Note: The epidermal cell divides mitotically. This is due to mitosis producing cells which are identical to the parent cell and also the cells produced are identical themselves. However, in meiosis, the cell has only half of the DNA of the parent cell and so they are different from the parent cell. For a plant structure, the cells in one part of the leaf need to be identical to maintain proper growth and functioning.