Question

Which one of the following is the male reproductive organ of the flower?
A. Sepals
B. Petals
C. Stamens
D. Carpels

Answer 1

Flowers are reproductive parts of plants. All flowering plants belong to the division Angiosperms under the plant kingdom. The flower has the male and female reproductive organs that facilitate either cross pollination or self pollination.

Complete answer:
Option (a) is incorrect. Sepals form the outermost whorl of the flower. Collectively the sepals are known as Calyx. They are usually green in colour. Sepals are modified leaves which may be free or united. The sepals protect the developing flower. When it is time for the flower to bloom, the sepals open. After this, the sepals do not generally have other functions, that is it becomes vestigial.
Option (b) is incorrect. The petals are the second whorl of the flower from outside to inside. Collectively they are known as the Corolla. Petals are modified leaves and are usually very attractive and colourful. The main function of the petals is to attract insects for pollination. In species that pollinate by the help of the wind, the petals are greatly reduced. Petals of a flower can be similar or dissimilar in shape and size.
Option (c) is correct. Stamens are the male reproductive part of a flower. Together, the stamens constitute the third whorl of a flower called the Androecium. The stamens have a stalk like filament on top of which a two lobed anther is located. The anthers produce pollen grains which contain the male gamete or microsporangia.
Option (d) is incorrect. Carpels are the female reproductive parts of a flower. Collectively they form the fourth whorl of the flower called Gynoecium. Carpels comprise a style, stigma and ovary. It is inside the ovary, the female gamete or megasporangia is present and its fertilization with the male gamete takes place.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: The flower contains the reproductive parts of the plant. The male reproductive part is known as the Androecium. It is the third whorl of the flower from outside to inside. Stamens produce the gametes in anthers. The gametes are transferred to the female organs of the same flower or of a different flower for fertilization.