This is a false coloured image of pollen from different plant species taken with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
Pollen is a minute mass of microspores that are produced in seed plants. These tiny grains are formed in the anther of a male plant and are subsequently transported via wind, water or insects etc to the pistil of a female plant, where fertilisation occurs.
Pollen grains may be small, but they are mighty. The outer layer, known as the exine is highly resistant to degeneration and can even withhold intense heat as well as concentrated acids and bases.
Pollen, for all its beauty and functionality, is the bane of many peoples Spring and Summer. It is produced in such quantities that pollen is actually a significant component of the Earth’s atmosphere and the proteinaceous substance in many pollen grains induces an allergic reaction commonly known as hay fever.
Hay fever occurs when the immune system mistakes this harmless airborne substance as a threat. As your body thinks the substance is harmful it produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E to attack it. It then releases the chemical histamine which causes cold like symptoms in the individual.
It is estimated that about 20% of people in Western Europe and North America suffer from some degree of hay fever; all thanks to these little guys.
But, of course, a few runny noses and teary eyes is worth the vital job that pollen grains do.
Aaaachoo!
-Jean
Image courtesy of Alex Hyde.