Question

Where is anther located and what is its function?

Answer 1

Hint: Anther is the part of the flower which contains male gametes or the pollen grains. It is present in the male reproductive part of the flower. It houses pollen grains until dispersal.

Complete answer:
The male reproductive part of the flower is known as androecium. It consists of stamens which produce pollen. The pollen is stored in the anther. Anthers are the main reproductive part of the flower which is responsible for dispersal of male gametes. It is also called a pollen containing unit. It is found in the stamens of angiosperms. It is supported by a filament or stalk which is a thread like structure. The pollens are contained inside the lobe of the anther. The anther has two lobes which have four sac-like structures in which the male gametes are stored. At the time of dispersal of pollen, it bursts open and disperses pollen to the environment.

Function of Anther-
- It is also known as a pollen factory.
- It acts as the store house of pollen grains.
-It also protects the male gametes from destroying.
- It helps in dispersal of the pollen so that the pollen can reach the stigma of the flower and pollination can take place.

Note: Certain plants are self-pollinating in which the pollen itself reaches the stigma where as many plants reproduce by cross pollination. The external agents like animals, birds, bees, wind, water, are needed in case of cross pollinators. They carry the pollen from one flower to another and thus bring about pollination.