What is the role of the anther in plant reproduction?

The anther plays a crucial role in plant reproduction primarily by producing pollen. Pollen contains the male gametes, which are essential for fertilization in flowering plants. The anther is located at the tip of the stamen, which is the male reproductive part of a flower. When the anther releases pollen, it can be transferred to the stigma of the same or another flower, allowing for fertilization to occur when the pollen grains reach the ovule within the ovary.

To facilitate understanding, the other options describe functions that are not related to the anther. The ovules, which are the female gametes, are housed in the ovary, not the anther. The stigma, which receives pollen during pollination, is supported by a structure called the style, while the anther itself does not have a supporting role in this context. Lastly, nutrient absorption is not a function of the anther; that role is typically associated with roots or specialized structures within the plant.