#palynology

Pollen Mix-up|Cell

The examination and study of pollen through advanced microscopy techniques can uncover tremendous variations in shape, size, and delivery mechanisms of plant genetic material. The fields of plant biology and genetics and the study of pollen residue, palynology, are rapidly expanding.

A mix of various pollens has been acetolyzed to remove cytoplasm and pollen-kit in order to reveal the intricate wall structures. Image is shown at 750x/20 µm using an SEM (Colorized by Cell Press Art Department).

Image by: Louisa Howard, Dartmouth E.M. Facility, Dartmouth College