Dithecous Anther: definition, meaning, diagram, Structure, Formation

The anther is an important part of the male reproductive organ in flowering plants known as the stamen. By definition, the anther is a structure that produces and releases the pollen grains, which are essential for fertilisation. In terms of meaning, it represents the pollen-bearing portion of the stamen, typically located at its tip. A typical diagram of an anther shows it has a bilobed structure, each lobe containing two pollen sacs.

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This Story also Contains

1. Structure of Dithecous Anther
2. A Transverse Cross-Section of Dithecous Anther
3. Function of the Dithecous Anther
4. Recommended video on "Dithecous Anther"

The structure of the anther is highly specialised, comprising layers, such as the epidermis, endothecium, middle layers and tapetum, all of which support the pollen formation. The process begins with the differentiation of microspore mother cells within the pollen sacs, which undergo meiosis to form haploid microspores that develop into pollen grains. A detailed study of anther can be studied in the biology subject.

Structure of Dithecous Anther

The structure is described below-

Anatomy of the Anther

Another is that part of the stamen which bears pollen, composed of pollen sacs where the production of pollen grains takes place.

Comparison between monothecous and diothecous anthers

If one theca is present on the anther, it is called monothecous, and if two thecae are present, then the condition is known as dithecous; each theca has two pollen sacs.

Theca Structure

• Dithecous anther means it has two thecae or lobes.

• Each theca contains two microsporangia, so a dithecous anther has four pollen sacs in total.

• The theca are separated by a connective tissue, which is a part of the filament and contains vascular bundles.

• The two thecae are usually parallel and symmetrical.

• The dehiscence of the theca occurs through longitudnal slits, allowing pollen grain to be released.

Also Read-

• Angiosperm - Life Cycle of a Flowering Plant

• Bilobed Anther - Structure of an Anther

• Reproduction In Plants

A Transverse Cross-Section of Dithecous Anther

• The epidermis is the outermost protective layer of the anther.

• The endothecium lies just beneath the epidermis and helps in the dehiscence of the anther by developing fibrous thickening.

• There are 1-3 layers beneath the endothecium, which degenerate during pollen maturation.

• The tapetum is the innermost nutritive layer, which surrounds the microsporangia and is rich in cytoplasm and provides nourishment to developing pollen.

• The microspore has four pollen sacs, two in each theca, where microspore mother cells undergo meiosis to form microspores.

• The central sterile tissue, which is the connective tissue, joins the two thecae and contains vascular bundles for nutrient supply.

Function of the Dithecous Anther

The functions are given below:

Pollen Production and Release

The pollen matures in the pollen sacs through the process of microsporogenesis. The anther decreases, opening itself to let mature pollen grains out into the open for the fertilisation process.

Role in Pollination

Dithecous anthers are effective in dispersing pollen. This helps in the process of pollination by transferring pollen to the stigma. Examples of plants with dithecous anthers include most of the flowering plants, for instance, the lily and rose. These use different kinds of pollination agents, like wind and insects.

Also Read-

• Ovule
• Endosperm
• Seed

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