microsporângium

A microsporangium is a botanical term referring to the structure within a plant's anther where microspores are produced. Microspores are the precursor cells that develop into male gametophytes, which in flowering plants are known as pollen grains. In seedless vascular plants, such as ferns and lycophytes, microsporangia are typically found on sporophylls, which are modified leaves that bear sporangia. The development of the microsporangium can be either eusporangiate or leptosporangiate. In eusporangiate development, the sporangium originates from several initial cells, leading to a larger sporangium with a greater number of spores. In leptosporangiate development, the sporangium arises from a single initial cell, resulting in a smaller sporangium with fewer spores and a characteristic stalk. The wall of the microsporangium often consists of multiple layers, with the innermost layer, the tapetum, providing nutrients to the developing microspores. Upon maturation, the microsporangium dehisces, releasing the microspores to the environment.