Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) pollen grains. Science Image

Ref: 80200181a



Scots pine tree pollen grains. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) pollen grains. The pollen grains consist of a base with two air-filled, wing-like bladders, which are extensions of the pollen grain's wall. These wings help the wind-dispersed pollen to float on air. Each pollen grain contains a male gamete that is intended to fertilise ovules or eggs of another flower, initiating the formation of a seed. Magnification x800 at 10cm wide