Anther
Anther
Anther (/ˈænθər/; from Ancient Greek ἀνθηρός, 'flowery') is a crucial part of a flower's stamen that produces and contains pollen. It is typically located at the end of a thin tube-like structure known as the filament.
Etymology
The term 'anther' is derived from the Ancient Greek word ἀνθηρός (anthēros), meaning 'flowery'. It was first used in English in the late 18th century to describe the part of the stamen that produces pollen.
Structure
An anther typically consists of two lobes, each containing two pollen sacs or microsporangia. These sacs are where the pollen grains, the male gametes in flowering plants, are produced and stored. The anther is connected to the flower's filament, which positions it to best facilitate the transfer of pollen to pollinators.
Function
The primary function of the anther is to produce and release pollen, which is necessary for the fertilization of ovules in the process of sexual reproduction in plants. When a pollinator, such as a bee or a butterfly, visits a flower, the pollen from the anther sticks to the pollinator. This pollen is then transferred to the pistil of another flower, leading to fertilization.
Related Terms
- Stamen: The male reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of an anther and a filament.
- Pollen: The microspores of seed plants, produced in the anther, that fertilize the ovules.
- Filament: The stalk that connects the anther to the base of the flower.
- Pistil: The female reproductive organ of a flower, which receives the pollen from the anther.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anther
- Wikipedia's article - Anther
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