Question

In Pinus, male cone bears a large number of:

• A. ligules
• B. anthers
• C. micro-sporophylls
• D. mega-sporophylls

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Microsporophylls and megasporophyIls are the leaf-like structures on which microsporangia (pollensacs) and megasporangia are borne on the same plant of pinus. The sporophylls are aggregated in form of cones. Male cones are smaller, also known as microstrobili (staminate strobili). Female cones are larger, known at megastrobili (ovulate strobili). Each male cone consists of an elongated axis, bearing a number of spirally erranged microsporophyll. On the underside of which two microsporangia develop and get filled with microspores (pollen grains). Anther or microsporangium are the male reproductive structures of angiosperms. Microsporangium bears microspores (pollens), through microsporogenesis. The flowers of angiosperms are different in structure to the male and female cones and the sporophylls in gymnosperms. Ligule is a tongue like membranous Outgrowth, present on upper surface, near the base of the microphyllous leaf in pteridophyies (e.g., Selaginella). The ligule shrinks and becomes inconspicuous in mature leaves.