Question

Ubisch bodies take part in development of
(A) Pollen grains
(B) Syncytium
C) Microgametophyte
(D) Microsporangium

Answer 1

Ubisch bodies also known as Orbicules are tiny structures that are mainly made up of the complex substance sporopollenin. These structures are nothing but the by-products of the tapetal cells. The Ubisch body is an acellular development that is formed inside a Tapetum.

Complete answer:
The innermost layer of Anther which acts as a nutritive layer is called Tapetum. Tapetum takes part in the absorption of food from the middle layers of Anther to provide nutrition to the developing microspore also known as microspore mother cells. There are two types of tapetum which are; Amoeboid Tapetum and Glandular or Secretory tapetum.

Secretory tapetum is an advanced type of tapetum which does not degenerate quickly and absorbs nutrients from the middle layers and secretes into the cavity of pollen sacs. Tapetum degenerates in mature Anther. Before the disintegration of tapetum cells, they form special spherical granules called Pro Ubisch bodies in the cytoplasm. With the development of Anther, these pro ubisch bodies increase in number.

The pro-Ubisch bodies are expelled from the cytoplasm of tapetum into the locules of Anther where they are surrounded by sporopollenin. It is a polymer of carotenoids. The tapetum layer degenerates after the formation of Ubisch bodies. These ubisch bodies later participate in the formation of the outer covering of the microspore also known as exine inside the pollen sacs. The thick-walled microspore is called pollen grains.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: The function of Ubisch bodies are not well specified. They form a transport system for the movement of sporopollenin between the developing microspores and tapetal cells. They also act as a lining for the anther sac from which the pollen grains are promptly confined or they may be related to pollen dispersal.