Question

Give the technical description of anthers of Allium cepa.

Answer 1

Allium cepa, the onion (also called bulb onion or common onion) and the shallot (A. cepa var. aggregatum), is a monocot bulbous perennial (often biannual). It is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium, which includes other important species such as garlic (A. sativum) and leeks (A. ampeloprasum). The name "wild onion" is applied to various Alliums. 

Allium species are among the oldest cultivated crops. Diverse representations in Egyptian artifacts dating to 2700 B.C suggest that onions had been cultivated and in wide use by that time (Fritsch and Friesen 2002). The present species, A. cepa, is known only from cultivation, but appears to have been domesticated from wild ancestors in the Central Asian mountains (Brewster 1994).

Numerous cultivars have been developed for size, form, color, storability, resistance to pests and pathogens, and climatic adaptations. Cultivars are divided into the Common Onion Group (A. cepa var. cepa), which contains most of the economically important varieties (including cultivars grown for green or salad onions) and the Aggregatum Group, which includes shallots and potato onions, and typically produce clusters of small bulbs (Brewster 1994). 

Onions are widely used on cooking in nearly all regions of the world, and have been used in diverse cultures and rituals throughout history. (See Wikipedia article in full entry; additional details in Block 2010 and Brewster 1994.) 

Onions produce various sulfur-containing compounds (such as cysteine sulfoxide), probably for defense against fungi and insects, that, together with their breakdown products, produce their distinctive odor, flavor, and lachrymatory (tear-stimulating) properties (Brewster 1994). Throughout history, onions have been used in folk medicine for purposes ranging from treating wounds and stomach ailments to treating infertility (Wikipedia 2011). Scientific and pharmacological studies since World War II have found evidence that onions or their derived compounds have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and may also be of benefit in preventing or treating heart disease and atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, and possibly asthma.

Answer 2

The allium genus of the liliaceae family, however, contains some very tasty members that are staples in many cuisines the world over. Onions are part of the mirepiox (celery, carrots and onions) in traditional French cuisine, as well as the "holy trinity" (bell peppers, onions, celery) in Cajun cuisine.