Cells of the tapetum possess dense cytoplasm and generally have more than one nucleus.

Question

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:

1. A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. B. Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
3. C. A is true but R is false (Correct answer)
4. D. A is false but R is true

Correct Answer

Option C — A is true but R is false

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is A is true but R is false.

Key Points

• The tapetum cells do have dense cytoplasm and usually more than one nucleus — A is true.
• The extra nuclei increase the efficiency of nourishing the developing microspores/pollen grains, not the microspore mother cells — so the Reason as stated is incorrect (R is false).