False-colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of pollen grains germinating on the stigma of the opium poppy flower,Papaver somniferum. The stigma is the pollen receiving structure which,together with the ovary,forms the female reproductive organ. It consists of ridges of finger-like proj- ections in this species. The germinating grain swells,splitting along one seam to accomodate the emerging pollen tube. The tube,carrying the male gametes,grows into the stigma,down the style,enters the ovary & approaches the ovule (egg). The tip of the poll- en tube ruptures,releasing the gametes (sperm) to fuse with & fertilize the egg. X 100 at 35mm size | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Burgess, Dr. Jeremy |
Taille de l’image : | 4677 px × 3543 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |