POLLEN TUBE Meaning and
Definition
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A pollen tube refers to a slender, elongated structure that emerges from the pollen grain during the process of pollination in flowering plants. It acts as a conduit to deliver male gametes (sperm cells) from the stigma to the embryo sac located in the ovule of the female reproductive structure called the pistil. The pollen tube plays a crucial role in carrying out fertilization, leading to the production of seeds and fruits.
The formation of the pollen tube occurs when a compatible pollen grain lands on the stigma, which is the receptive part of the pistil. The tube grows through the stylus, which is the long neck-like portion of the pistil. It is composed of specialized plant cells, called tube cells, that are responsible for the elongation and guidance of the tube towards the ovary. These cells have a thin cell wall and actively transport nutrients and water to support the growth and development of the tube.
As the pollen tube extends down the pistil, it releases enzymes that aid in breaking down the pistil tissue, allowing the tube to penetrate deeper. This pathfinding mechanism ensures the targeted delivery of the sperm cells to the ovule. Once the pollen tube reaches the ovule, it penetrates the micropyle, a small opening in the integument layer of the ovule, to discharge the male gametes, which subsequently fertilize the egg cell.
The remarkable process of pollen tube growth and guidance is vital for successful sexual reproduction in flowering plants, ensuring the transmission of genetic material and the continued survival and diversity of plant species.
Common Misspellings for POLLEN TUBE
- oollen tube
- lollen tube
- -ollen tube
- 0ollen tube
- pillen tube
- pkllen tube
- plllen tube
- ppllen tube
- p0llen tube
- p9llen tube
- poklen tube
- poplen tube
- poolen tube
- polken tube
- polpen tube
- poloen tube
- pollwn tube
- pollsn tube
- polldn tube
Etymology of POLLEN TUBE
The word "pollen tube" is a compound term, combining the words "pollen" and "tube".
The word "pollen" can be traced back to the Latin word "pollen", meaning fine flour or dust. It originally referred to the powdery substance produced by flowers, which contains the male reproductive cells (gametes) of plants.
The word "tube" has its origins in the Latin word "tuba", which means a pipe or a tube-like structure.
Therefore, "pollen tube" is essentially a tube-like structure that carries the male reproductive cells (pollen) of plants.
Similar spelling words for POLLEN TUBE
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