Question

A bilobed dithecous anther has 200 microspore mother cells per microsporangium. How many male gametophytes can be produced by this anther?

Answer 1

A 200 microspore bilobed dithecous anther, 3200 male gametophytes can be produced from one microsporangium’s mother cells. This is computed as follows:

1. A bilobed dithecous anther has 4 microsporangia.
2. 200 cells per microsporangium × 4 microsporangia = 800 microspore mother cells total
3. Each microspore mother cell produces 4 microspores (through meiosis). Total microspores = 800 microspore mother cells × 4 microspores/1 microspore mother cell = 3200 microspores
4. Each microspore develops into a male gametophyte. So, total male gametophytes = 3200