Structure of the Stamen & a Pollen Grain
Many plants reproduce via flowers. Some plants have both male flower parts and female flower parts. Other plants are either male or female and rely on the male and female plant being in close proximity for reproduction. The male part of the flower is called the stamen. The male reproductive cell is called pollen. Pollen is a small grain that can either float through the air or stick to insects, birds or animals for transport to the female flower and plant.
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Stamen Filament
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The stamen filament is a long structure that transmits water and nutrients to the pollen production part of the stamen. The filament also ensures that the stamen is tall enough to come into contact with the wind, insects, or other bird or animal responsible for carrying the pollen to the female flower.
Stamen Anthers
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The anther is the part of the stamen that produces the pollen. An anther produces many pollen grains. The grains stick to the anthers until they are dislodged by the wind or other transmission vector. The anther sits on top of the stamen stalk.
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Pollen Grain Exine
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The outer layer of the pollen grain, the male reproductive cell in many plants, is called the exine. The exine has many layers made of a polymer called sporopollenin. Sporopollenin is chemically resistant to help protect the pollen and increase the likelihood of successful reproduction. The exine is the layer just below the pollen coat.
Pollen Grain Intine
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The intine is the inner wall of the pollen grain. In the pollen for some species of plant, the intine is multi-layered. In others, however, it is a single layer. The intine is made primarily of cellulose. The intine lies just below the exine.
Pollen Grain Coat
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The pollen grain coat covers the exine. It fills any dips and depressions in the exine and contains proteins, lipids, colors, and aromatic compounds. The colors often attract insects and birds that are helpful in pollination and reproduction. The aromatic compounds create scents that, in addition to being pleasant to people, attract birds, animals and insects that often help pollinate the particular plant species.
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- Photo Credit Photo: Dave Dyet, stock.xchng
