The word "Intine" is spelled with the letter combination "in" and the vowel sound "i", followed by the consonant sound "t" and the vowel sound "i" once again, and ending with the consonant sound "n" and the vowel sound "e". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /ɪnˈtaɪn/. This word refers to the innermost layer of the cell wall of pollen grains and spores. It is an important part of plant reproduction and plays a vital role in pollen-tube growth.
Intine refers to the innermost layer or coat of a pollen grain, which surrounds the germ cell. It is a significant part of the pollen grain's structure and plays a crucial role in preserving the genetic material during pollination and fertilization.
The intine is composed mainly of cellulose and pectin, which provide structural support and protect the pollen grain from various external factors. It is a flexible and elastic layer, allowing it to stretch as the pollen tube grows during fertilization. This layer also helps in preventing desiccation by retaining moisture within the pollen grain.
One of the key functions of the intine is to facilitate successful pollen tube growth. After pollination, the pollen grain germinates and develops a pollen tube, which enables the transport of sperm cells to the ovule. The intine facilitates this process by selectively allowing the passage of molecules and nutrients required for pollen tube elongation.
Additionally, the intine contributes to species-specific recognition and compatibility during pollination. Its unique composition helps differentiate and identify pollen grains, ensuring compatibility between the pollen and the female reproductive organs for successful fertilization.
Overall, the intine is a vital component of the pollen grain as it serves multiple functions, including protection, water retention, nutrient transport, and species recognition, enabling the reproductive success of plants.
In botany, the endosporium or inner coat of a pollen grain.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
In bot., the inner covering of the pollen-grain.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "intine" is actually not commonly found in the English language. However, based on its usage in plant biology, the likely term of interest is "intine", also known as the "inner layer" of a plant cell's wall. The etymology of this term can be elucidated by analyzing its Latin counterpart, "intinus", meaning "inward" or "inner". In Latin, "in-" denotes "in" or "into", while "-tinus" refers to the act of stretching or reaching. Therefore, "intinus" essentially signifies the layer situated inward or inside of something. Over time, this Latin term has transformed into "intine" in English, maintaining its fundamental meaning of the inner layer of a plant cell wall.