Anther

The anther is the male organ of a plant flower. It is the part of the stamen that contains the pollen sacs (microsporangia). The formation of haploid microspores (pollen grains) occurs in pollen sacs.

The anther consists of two closely adjacent halves called sporangia. Each sporangium has an internal cavity lined with a tapetum - a layer of cells that feed the microspores developing in it. During the process of meiosis, four haploid mononuclear microspores are formed from the mother cells of the anther. Subsequently, they turn into mature two-celled pollen grains containing vegetative and generative cells.

Thus, the anther performs an important function in the reproductive cycle of the plant - it produces pollen necessary for fertilization. Pollen from the anthers is transferred to the stigma of the pistil, which initiates the process of pollination and further seed formation.