Molecular and Functional Roles of Tapetum Organelles: A Nursing Staff for Pollen Development

Male gametes are produced in the anthers and are essential for fertilization and seed setting. A transverse section of the anther reveals four layers: the epidermis, endothecium, middle layer, and tapetum. The tapetum, being the innermost layer, plays a critical role in supplying nutrients, enzymes, and protection to microspores. Detailed microscopic and ultrastructural analyses have revealed highly active and well-organized structures within the tapetum, referred to as tapetal organelles. Molecular studies have highlighted the significance of tapetal cell death and the nurturing role of the tapetum for microspores. However, the mechanisms by which these processes are mediated by tapetal organelles at the cellular level remain elusive. The discovery of mutants defective in tapetal organelles has enabled further investigations into their structure, morphology, and function. This review discusses the molecular and functional roles of various tapetal organelles—such as plastids (amyloplasts and elaioplasts), mitochondria, tapetosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and lipid bodies. We provide an overview of their roles, highlight key organelles in the tapetum, and address recent challenges and potential applications of genes regulating tapetal organelles in enhancing crop fertility.