Pollen

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Echinate)

Pollen is a fine to coarse powdery substance comprising pollen grains which are male microgametophytes of seed plants, which produce male gametes (sperm cells). Pollen grains have a hard coat made of sporopollenin that protects the gametophytes during the process of their movement from the stamens to the pistil of flowering plants, or from the male cone to the female cone of coniferous plants.

Structure and formation[edit | edit source]

Pollen grains are encased in two protective walls. The inner wall is called the intine and the outer wall is called the exine. The formation of pollen occurs in the anther, a male reproductive organ of the flower. The pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma of the same or a different flower through a process known as pollination.

Types of Pollen[edit | edit source]

There are two types of pollen: entomophilous, which is transferred by insects, and anemophilous, which is transferred by the wind. Entomophilous pollen is usually larger because it has to stick to the insect that transports it. Anemophilous pollen is smaller and lighter, which allows it to be carried by the wind.

Role in Allergies[edit | edit source]

Pollen is a common allergen. Many people have adverse immune responses when they breathe in pollen. This can lead to conditions such as hay fever, asthma, and conjunctivitis.

Role in Agriculture and Horticulture[edit | edit source]

In agriculture and horticulture, pollen can be used for breeding. For example, in fruit breeding, pollen from one variety of apple is used to pollinate another variety of apple to create a new breed of apple.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Pollen Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD