Study Pollen Germination On A Slide
Aim
To study pollen germination on a slide.
Necessary Materials & Apparatus
Freshly plucked seasonal flowers, beaker, boric acid, sucrose, microscope and cavity slide.
Procedure
A nutrition solution must be prepared in the initial stage. To do this, 10g of sugar and 10mg of boric acid are dissolved in 100ml of water. Drops of this solution should be applied on the cavity slide. Then, use a brush or fingers to gently dust a few pollen grains from the stamen of mature flowers. Let the slide set for 5 mins. Then, use the microscope to view the slides in 30-minute intervals.
Observation
The pollen grains will germinate when submerged in the nutrient-rich medium. This is characterized by the enlargement of the vegetative/tube cell. It emerges through one of the germ pores, eventually forming a pollen tube. The generative cell nucleus grows into the pollen tube and makes two male gametes (sperm nuclei). The male gamete is either spherical or lenticular in outline.
Precautions
Ensure that the flowers are freshly picked.
The observation slide should be a cavity slide, meaning that it has a depression in the centre.