The microspore mother cells are

Options

A. Sporophyte
B. Gametophyte
C. Microsporocyte
D. Megasporocyte

Answer

To solve the question regarding the microspore mother cells, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Context**: The microspore mother cells are located in the anther, which is the male reproductive part of a flower. The anther contains sporogenous tissue that is crucial for pollen formation.

**Hint**: Recall the structure of a flower and identify the male reproductive parts.

2. **Formation of Sporogenous Tissue**: In the young anther, sporogenous tissue is formed. This tissue is responsible for producing microspore mother cells.

**Hint**: Think about the developmental stages of the anther and what types of tissues are involved.

3. **Meiosis Process**: The sporogenous tissue undergoes meiosis, leading to the formation of microspore mother cells. These cells are diploid (2N) and are also referred to as microsporocytes.

**Hint**: Remember the difference between diploid and haploid cells and the significance of meiosis in producing spores.

4. **Mitosis and Pollen Grain Formation**: The microspore mother cells (microsporocytes) then undergo mitosis to produce pollen grains, which are the male gametophytes.

**Hint**: Consider the process of gametogenesis and how pollen grains are formed from microspore mother cells.

5. **Identifying the Correct Answer**: The microspore mother cell is specifically known as a microsporocyte. It is not a gametophyte itself, but it gives rise to the gametophyte (the pollen grain).

**Hint**: Distinguish between sporophyte, gametophyte, and microsporocyte based on their definitions and roles in the plant life cycle.

### Conclusion:
The microspore mother cells are microsporocytes, which are diploid cells that undergo meiosis to form haploid microspores, eventually leading to the formation of pollen grains.

### Final Answer:
The microspore mother cells are microsporocytes.