Microsporogenesis :- Biology

 Microsporogenesis :

Each microspore mother cell divides - meiotically to form tetrad of haploid ■ microspores (pollen grains).

Structure of microspore :

Typical pollen grain is a non-motile, haploid, unicellular body with single nucleus. It is surrounded by a two layered wall called sporoderm. The outer layer exine is thick and made up of complex, non-biodegradable, substance called sporopollenin. It may be smooth or with a sculptured pattern (characteristic of the species). It is resistant to chemicals. At some places exine is very thin showing thin areas known as germ-pores. These are meant for the growth of emerging pollen tube during germination of pollen grain. The inner wall layer, intine consists of cellulose and pectin.

Development of male gametophyte :

Pollen grain marks the beginning of male gametophyte. It undergoes first mitotic division to produce bigger, naked vegetative cell and small, thin walled generative cell. The vegetative cell is rich in food and having irregular shaped nucleus. The generative cell floats in the cytoplasm of vegetative cell.