Microsporophylls

Microsporophyll is a leaf-like structure bearing microsporangia, the spore-producing organs that give rise to male gametophytes. In seed plants, microsporophylls are the male sporophylls of strobili or cones and are paired with megasporophylls, which bear megasporangia.

Structure and arrangement: In gymnosperms such as conifers, the male cone consists of numerous microsporophylls arranged around a central axis; each microsporophyll carries one or more microsporangia on its abaxial surface. At maturity, the microsporangia release pollen (microspores), which are dispersed by wind or other vectors.

Development and function: Microsporophyll development follows meiosis within microspore mother cells inside each sporangium, producing haploid microspores that develop into pollen grains within the microsporangia. Pollen grains then fertilize ovules, completing the life cycle in seed plants.

Variation and terminology: In ferns and other pteridophytes, sporophylls may also bear sporangia; when these spores are microspores, the leaf is called a microsporophyll. The term is most often used in gymnosperm and some fern contexts. The related megasporophyll bears megasporangia and gives rise to female gametophytes.