tapetum
plant anatomy
Quick Summary
In plant anatomy, the tapetum is a layer of cells that nourishes the developing pollen grains within the sporangium. This nutritive layer is crucial for the successful development of microspores into pollen. In some plants, the tapetal cells remain intact and are absorbed as they supply nutrients, while in others, the tapetum breaks down, and its contents directly nourish the pollen grains. This vital structure plays a key role in plant reproduction.12
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