An anther with malfunctioning tapetum often fails to produce viable male gametophytes. Why?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Structure of Anther**: The anther is a part of the stamen in flowering plants and is responsible for producing pollen grains, which contain male gametophytes (male gametes).

2. **Role of Tapetum**: The tapetum is the innermost layer of the microsporangium (pollen sac) in the anther. It consists of binucleated cells that have dense cytoplasm. The primary function of the tapetum is to provide nourishment to the developing pollen grains (microspores) during their formation.

3. **Microsporogenesis Process**: During microsporogenesis, microspore mother cells undergo meiosis to produce haploid microspores. These microspores then develop into pollen grains.

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