Given below are two statements : One is labelled as Assertion (A) and other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Cells of the tapetum possess dense cytoplasm and generally have more than one nucleus.
Reason (R) : Presence of more than one nucleus in the tapetum increases the efficiency of nourishing the developing microspore mother cells.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
- A
A is false but R is true
- B
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- C
Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- D
A is true but R is false
The tapetum is the innermost wall layer of the anther. Its cells indeed have dense cytoplasm and are typically multinucleate, so the Assertion is true.
However, the tapetum nourishes the developing pollen grains (microspores), not the microspore mother cells specifically as worded in the Reason. By the time the tapetum is at its most active in providing nutrition, the microspore mother cells have already undergone meiosis. Per the official key, the Reason is treated as false.
A is true but R is false.
Practice more Biology
Concept-wise practice with instant solutions on Fundamenthol.
Start practicing →