Significant Differences between Anther and Stigma: definition, meaning

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Aug 28, 2024 11:23 AM IST

Definition Of Anther And Stigma

Sexual reproduction in plants occurs through critical reproductive structures, most of which contain both the male and female organs. The anther is a male reproductive organ that produces and liberates the pollen from the plant, while the stigma is part of the pistil and is a female structure that receives the pollen during fertilisation.

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These structures are of immense importance to a plant biologist since they form the core of the plant life cycle, notably the reproductive cycle, by being responsible for carrying genetic material and giving rise to seeds. The reviewed information above is paramount in agriculture, horticulture, and plant breeding since manipulation of these processes will result in better crop yields and varieties of plants.

What Is An Anther?

Anther is the part of the stamen—the male reproductive organ in the flower—that produces and releases the pollen, dust containing the male gamete. It allows fertilisation to take place due to pollen transfer to the female parts of a flower.

Structure Of Anther

The normal anther is bilobed; each lobe is further differentiated into two pollen sacs or microsporangia. The pollen grains develop and mature in these sacs and from here, they are liberated.

Role in pollen production.

Anther serves primarily for pollen generation and storage. The mature pollen is released from the pollen sacs and spread, taken then to the stigma, fertilising it in the process.

What Is A Stigma?

The stigma is the region on the pistil, which is the female reproductive organ of the flower and receives the pollen in the process of pollination. The stigma has been morphed to catch and hold pollen grains, allowing fertilisation.

Structure Of Stigma

Stigma is mostly found at the top of the style, and it may be sticky or feathery to capture pollen effectively. The stigma links the ovary through the style.

Role in pollination and fertilisation.

Some of the main roles of a stigma relate to receiving pollen during the process of pollination. The stigma provides the site for pollen germination. A pollen grain falls on the stigma, germinates, and grows a pollen tube down the style into the ovary, where fertilisation will take place.

Differences Between Anther And Stigma

Aspect	Anther	Stigma
Structural Differences	Two lobes with pollen sacs (microsporangia)	Sticky or feathery surface
Appearance	Often yellow, sac-like structures	Various shapes, often extended from the pistil
Position	Part of the stamen (male reproductive organ)	Part of the pistil (female reproductive organ)
Functional Differences	Pollen production and release	Pollen reception and germination
Reproductive Role	Male reproductive system	Female reproductive system
Additional Functions	Supports the development of male gametophytes	Supports the growth of pollen tubes
Location and Position in the Flower	Attached to the filament within the stamen	Top of the style within the pistil
Position in Flower	Surrounds the pistil	Centrally located in the flower
Developmental Differences	Formation of microsporangia	Formation of stigma primordia
Intermediate Stage	Differentiation of sporogenous tissue	Development of receptive surface
Final Stage	Release of mature pollen grains	Maturation to capture pollen effectively

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main function of anther in plants?

The role of the anther in plants is as an organ that produces and liberates pollen grains containing male gametes for fertilisation. This organ makes up the anther, one of the important organs constituting the stamen and, therefore, considered as the male reproductive organ of the flower.

2. How does the stigma aid in plant reproduction?

The stamen offers the avenue for plant reproduction by receiving the pollen grains for pollination. Most significantly, it is sticky or feathery to catch and hold the pollen. Falling on the stigma, the pollen germinates and forms a pollen tube down the style, then enters into the ovary where fertilisation occurs.

3. What are the differences between anther and stigma?

Anther and stigma could be differentiated based on the structure, function and region of the plant.

Structure: The anther is a sac-like structure which contains pollen sacs while the stigma typically is sticky or has a feathery surface.
Function: Anther produces and releases pollen while stigmata receive and germinate it.
Place: So, while the anther is the stamen and the male organ, the stigma is the pistil and the female organ.

4. Can anther and stigma be found in all types of flowers?

Anther and stigma form part of the majority of flowering plants, that is, angiosperm; still, there are some exceptions. Some plants bear unisexual flowers, either male or female reproductive organs but not both in the same plant or flower. Thus, for such plants, only the staminate flowers will have anthers, and only the pistillate flowers of this type will bear stigmas.

5. What role do pollinators play in transferring pollen from anther to stigma?

A pollinator plays a significantly important role in transferring pollen grains from anther to stigma. While they move from one flower to another, the pollen grains get transferred, which supports cross-pollination and hence improves genetic diversity, enhancing plant reproduction.