The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The stamen represents the male reproductive organ of a flower, collectively constituting the androecium. Morphologically, it is composed of distinct structural parts essential for the production of male gametophytes.- Statement 1 is Incorrect: A typical stamen does not consist solely of a filament. It comprises two main parts: the long and slender stalk called the filament, and the terminal, generally bilobed structure called the anther. The proximal end of the filament is attached to the thalamus or the petal of the flower.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The anther is typically a bilobed structure, with each lobe containing two thecae (dithecous). Internally, the anther contains four microsporangia located at the corners. These microsporangia develop into pollen sacs, which extend longitudinally through the length of an anther and are packed with pollen grains.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Pollen grains represent the male gametophytes. Following maturation, the pollen grain contains a vegetative cell and a generative cell. The generative cell undergoes mitosis to produce two male gametes. Therefore, the pollen grain is the structure responsible for producing and carrying the male gametes for fertilization.
Key Takeaway: The stamen is composed of a filament and an anther. The anther houses pollen sacs where pollen grains (male gametophytes) are produced, which subsequently generate male gametes.