Name the two cells present inside a typical pollen grain. How these cells difler from each other
Answers
Pollen grains are microscopic structures that vary in size and shape. Some are tiny orbs, while others are egg-shaped. Although too small to see individually, they can be seen by the naked eye in large quantities. You have probably noticed a bright orange-yellow coating on your car during springtime that closely resembles cheese powder from the macaroni and cheese box.
Assorted Pollen Grains (Sunflower, Morning Glory, Hollyhock, Primrose, Castor Bean)
Pollen Grains 1Viewed through a microscope, a pollen grain hardly looks real. An extremely durable body, it has a tough outer coating. This hardy coat offers great protection from the harsh outdoor environment. This is important because inside this tough shell lie two cells: the tube cell, which will eventually become the pollen tube, and a generative cell, which contains the male sperm nuclei needed for fertilization.
Let's zoom in to take a closer look. There are three main components of a pollen grain. The inside of the grain is made up of cytoplasm. This fluid medium houses the aforementioned living cells, keeping them moist and alive. The outer shell is made up of two layers. The inside layer is aptly named the intine (think interior). It is composed partly of cellulose, a common component in the cell walls of plant cells.
The tough-as-nails outer layer is known as the exine (think exterior). This highly sophisticated and complex outer layer is rich in a compound known as sporopollenin. Waterproof, resistant to deterioration and very stiff, this shell is basically one of nature's most advanced polymers. It ensures that the tender cells inside have a strong chance of survival.
In addition, often times the exine has folds, creases and spikes rising from its surface. Like extra armor, these features add to the protective nature of this layer. They also play an important role in the mobility of the grains, making it more likely that they will stick to the legs of insects as well as catch the wind.
The two cells present inside a pollen grain are 'vegetative cell' and 'generative cell'. Each cell has a different function.
Explanation:
Pollen is a fine powdery substance inside a plant which contains the pollen grains. Pollen grains are also known as male gametes which fuse with the female gametophyte in the ovule.
But to transfer these pollen grains into pistil of the plant we need a pollen tube. This pollen tube is generated by the vegetative cell while the generative cell divides into two sperm cells.