Question

Give functions of the following.
(a) Tapetum
(b) Suspensor

Answer 1

Tapetum is the innermost layer containing dense protoplasm and suspensor is a multicellular structure found in zygotes in angiosperms.

Complete answer:
Let's start with (a) Tapetum. First of all you should know about tapetum. Tapetum is a specialised layer which is made up of nutritive cells found within the anther and it is located between sporogenous tissue and the anther wall.
Functions:
-This layer is important for nutrition of pollen grains and also for the development of pollen grains.
-It functions to provide nutrition to sporogenous tissue and microspores.
-It also contributes to the formation of sporopollenin which is a component of the outer wall of pollen grains.
-Tapetum produces various enzymes, hormones, amino acids, etc for the development of pollen grains during the time of microsporogenesis.
(b) Suspensor. First of all you should know about the suspensor. Suspensor is a multicellular structure which connects the endosperm to an embryo and it is found in zygotes in angiosperms.
Functions:
-It helps in pushing the embryo towards the endosperm in order to draw its nutrition.
-The first suspensor cell towards the micropylar end becomes swollen and then it functions as haustorium which has wall ingrowths as that of the transfer cell.
-In embryogenesis, suspensor functions to provide the physical support, nutrition and also growth regulators to the developing embryo
-Suspensor may serve as a valuable system in order to address the mechanism of cell differentiation and cellular communication during the development of plants. This role in the suspensor cell is played by negative regulation of development potential.

Note: Tapetum is the innermost layer found in another which functions to provide nutrition and development of pollen grains. Suspensor is found in zygote in angiosperms which functions to push the embryo towards the endosperm to draw the nutrition from it.