The long stalk in the stamen is called the filament.
The stamen is the male reproductive part of a flower, and it typically consists of two main parts: the anther and the filament. The anther is the part of the stamen that produces and holds the pollen, while the filament is the long, slender stalk that supports the anther.
Here is a detailed explanation of the different options and why the correct answer is the filament:
a. Anther:
- The anther is the top part of the stamen that contains the pollen.
- It is responsible for producing and releasing the pollen grains.
- While the anther is an important part of the stamen, it is not the long stalk.
b. Filament:
- The filament is the long, slender stalk that supports the anther.
- It is responsible for holding the anther in place so that the pollen can be easily accessed by pollinators.
- The filament is usually flexible and can bend to ensure proper pollen dispersal.
c. Pollen tube:
- The pollen tube is a structure that develops after pollination.
- It grows from the pollen grain and serves as a pathway for the sperm cells to reach the ovary for fertilization.
- The pollen tube is not part of the stamen and is not the long stalk.
d. Style:
- The style is a part of the female reproductive organ called the pistil.
- It is a slender, elongated structure that connects the stigma (the receptive part of the pistil) to the ovary.
- The style is not part of the stamen and is not the long stalk.
In conclusion, the correct answer is b. filament, which is the long stalk that supports the anther in the stamen.