Germ Pores on Pollen Grains

Germ pores are the specialized structures present on the surface of the pollen grains. These pores play an important role in the germination of the pollen grains. Let us discuss the location of germ pores on the pollen grains.

Location of Germ Pores

The pollen grains are covered by two layers - exine and intine. The exine is the outermost layer made up of sporopollenin, while the intine is the inner layer made up of cellulose and pectin. The germ pores are located on the surface of the exine layer of the pollen grains.

Exine Only

The correct option is 'A', which states that the germ pores are found on the exine layer only. This is because the exine layer is responsible for protecting the pollen grain against various environmental factors such as UV radiation, desiccation, and microbial attack. The germ pores on the exine layer allow the germination of the pollen grain by providing a way for the pollen tube to grow out of the grain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, germ pores are specialized structures present on the surface of the pollen grains. They are located on the exine layer of the pollen grain and allow the germination of the pollen grain by providing a way for the pollen tube to grow out of the grain. The correct option for the location of germ pores is 'A', which states that the germ pores are found on the exine layer only.

At certain places, exine remains unthickened or missing and these places are known as germ pores. These pores are found in the outer wall of a spore or pollen grain through which the germ tube or pollen tube makes its exit.