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Theory & Procedure, Study of Pollen Germination | Additional Study Material for NEET PDF Download

Our Objective

Our aim is to study pollen germination on a slide.

Theory

What is pollination?

Pollination is a very important part of the life cycle of a flowering plant.  Pollination is the transference of pollen grain from the anthers of a flower to the stigma of the same or another flower, mediated by abiotic or biotic means. Abiotic means the pollen is not carried by organisms, but through means such as wind or water.  Biotic pollination occurs through agents like animals, insects or birds.  The majority of plants are pollinated through biotic pollination.
Let’s see how pollen germinates

In flowering plants, however, the ovules are contained within a hollow organ called the pistil, and the pollen is deposited on the pistil’s receptive surface, the stigma.  On the stigma, the germination of pollen grains begins by absorption of water and nutrients and the pollen grain produces a tiny pollen tube through the style to the ovary.  The tube cell enlarges and comes out of the pollen grain through one of the germ pores to form a pollen tube. The tube nucleus descends to the tip of the pollen tube.

The generative cell also passes into it. It soon divides into two male gametes. In an act of double fertilization, one of the two sperm cells within the pollen tube fuses with the egg cell of the ovule, making possible the development of an embryo, and the other cell combines with the two subsidiary sexual nuclei of the ovule, which initiates formation of a reserve food tissue, the endosperm. The growing ovule then transforms itself into a seed. We can stimulate pollen germination in vitro with the help of a nutrient medium.

Theory & Procedure, Study of Pollen Germination | Additional Study Material for NEET

Learning Outcomes:

Students understand the term pollination.
Students understand how pollen germinates.
Students do the experiment better in the real lab having gone through the animation and simulation.

Materials Required

Theory & Procedure, Study of Pollen Germination | Additional Study Material for NEET

Real Lab Procedure

  • Prepare the pollen germination medium by dissolving 10 grams sucrose, 10 milligrams boric acid, 30 milligrams magnesium sulphate and 20 milligrams potassium nitrate in 100ml of distilled water.
  • Using a glass rod, stir the solution to mix it well.
  • Using a dropper, take some nutrient solution and put two drops on a clean glass slide.
  • Take a mature flower and dust a few pollen grains from its stamen on to the drop on the slide.
  • After 5 minutes, place the glass slide on the stage of the compound microscope.
  • Observe the slide through the microscope regularly for about half an hour.

Simulator Procedure (as performed through the Online Labs)

  • Click and drag the dropper towards the beaker containing germination medium to take the medium.
  • Drag the dropper towards the glass slide to pour a few drops germination medium into the glass slide.
  • Drag the flower towards the glass slide to dust the pollen grains.
  • Drag and place the glass slide onto the stage of the compound microscope.
  • Click on the eyepiece of the compound microscope to view the pollen germination.
  • You can redo the experiment by clicking on the ‘Reset’ button.

Observations

The pollen grain is uninucleate (has one nucleus) in the beginning. At the time of liberation, it becomes 2 celled, with a small generative cell and a vegetative cell.

In the nutrient medium, the pollen grain germinates. The tube cell enlarges and comes out of the pollen grain through one of the germ pores to form a pollen tube. The tube nucleus descends to the tip of the pollen tube. The generative cell also passes into it. It soon divides into two male gametes.

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FAQs on Theory & Procedure, Study of Pollen Germination - Additional Study Material for NEET

1. What is the theory behind the study of pollen germination?
Ans. The theory behind the study of pollen germination involves understanding the process by which pollen grains develop and grow into pollen tubes. This process is crucial for the fertilization of plants as it allows the pollen to reach the female reproductive organs and facilitate the transfer of male gametes.
2. What is the procedure for studying pollen germination?
Ans. The procedure for studying pollen germination typically involves collecting mature pollen grains, placing them on a suitable growth medium, and providing optimal conditions for germination. This may include maintaining a specific temperature, humidity, and nutrient environment. The germinated pollen can then be observed under a microscope to study the growth and development of pollen tubes.
3. How does pollen germination contribute to plant reproduction?
Ans. Pollen germination is essential for plant reproduction as it enables the transfer of male gametes to the female reproductive organs. Once the pollen grains germinate and form pollen tubes, they can grow and penetrate the stigma, style, and ultimately the ovule. This allows the fusion of male and female gametes, resulting in the formation of a zygote and subsequent development of seeds and fruits.
4. What factors influence pollen germination?
Ans. Several factors can influence pollen germination, including temperature, humidity, nutrient availability, and the presence of certain chemicals or growth regulators. Optimal conditions for germination vary among different plant species, and each species may have specific requirements for successful pollen tube growth.
5. How can the study of pollen germination be relevant in agricultural practices?
Ans. The study of pollen germination is relevant in agricultural practices as it helps in understanding and manipulating plant fertilization processes. By studying the factors that promote or inhibit pollen germination, researchers can develop techniques to enhance pollination efficiency, increase crop yields, and improve breeding programs. This knowledge can be applied to various agricultural practices, such as hybrid seed production, controlled pollination, and genetic improvement of crops.
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