Gametes Collection (#5)

Acrosome reaction, artwork
Acrosome reaction. Computer artwork showing the process by which an acrosome from a spermatozoon (sperm cell) binds to an ovum (egg cell, bottom). Each spermatozoon has an acrosome in its tip

Peony pollen grains, SEM
Peony (Paeonia sp.) pollen grains, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Pollen grains are reproductive structures produced by the male parts of flowering plants

Human fertilisation, artwork
Human fertilization. Artwork of a single sperm cell (spermatozoon) attempting to fertilise a human egg cell (ovum, round, lower right). The sperm cell consists of a head section and a tail section

Fertilisation, conceptual image

Daisy pollen grains, SEM
Daisy (Bellis perennis) pollen grains, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Pollen grains are reproductive structures produced by the male parts of flowering plants

Bluebell pollen grains, SEM
Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) pollen grains, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Pollen grains are reproductive structures produced by the male parts of flowering plants

Buttercup pollen with leaf trichome, SEM
Buttercup (Ranunculus repens) pollen (orange) with a trichome (leaf hair, green), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM)

Buttercup pollen grains, SEM
Buttercup (Ranunculus repens) pollen grains, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Pollen grains are reproductive structures produced by the male parts of flowering plants

Gorse pollen grains, SEM
Gorse (Ulex europaeus) pollen grains (yellow), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Pollen grains are reproductive structures produced by the male parts of flowering plants

Hypericum stigma with pollen grains, SEM
Hypericum stigma (brown) with pollen grains (pink and yellow), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Pollen grains are reproductive structures produced by the male parts of flowering plants

Fertilisation, artwork
Fertilisation. Computer artwork of a sperm cell (blue) penetrating a human egg (ovum). Each sperm (spermatozoan) has a rounded head (acrosome) and a long tail with which it swims

Flame lily pollen, SEM
Flame lily (Gloriosa sp.) pollen grains, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The grains have a highly sculptured outer wall (exine)

Mimosa pollen, SEM
Mimosa pollen grains, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Magnification: x1500 when printed at 10 centimetres wide

Bay tree pollen, SEM
Bay tree (Laurus nobilis) pollen grains, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Magnification: x1300 when printed at 10 centimetres wide

Hypericum pollen. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of pollen grains from a Hypericum sp. plant. Magnification x6000 when printed 10 centimetres wide

Euphorbia flower reproductive parts, SEM
Euphorbia flower reproductive parts. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the reproductive parts of a Euphorbia supina flower

Male shoot of cord moss. Light micrograph of the top of a male shoot of the cord moss (Polytrichum commune). Antheridia (purple stain) are the male reproductive organs produce male gametes

Pollen grains, computer artwork
Pollen grains. Computer artwork of pollen grains from a flower. The outer wall (exine) of each pollen grain is highly sculpted to aid the dispersal of the pollen grains

Pollen, SEM
Pollen. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of pollen grains on a catkin flower. A catkin is a spike of unisexual flowers with small leaves (bracts) instead of petals

Enkianthus flower, SEM
Enkianthus flower. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the reproductive structures inside an Enkianthus perulatus flower

Pollen and flower
Pollen grains and flower. Composite image of pollen grains and the reproductive structures of a flower. Pollen contains the male sex cells of a flowering plant

Gladiolus flower anther, SEM
Gladiolus flower anther. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of pollen grains (yellow) on a gladiolus flower (Gladiolus sp.) anther

Sunflower pollen, SEM
Sunflower pollen grains. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of pollen grains from the sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Cherry blossom pollen, SEM
Cherry blossom pollen. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of pollen grains from a cherry tree flower (Prunus yedoensis)

Chickweed flower pistil, SEM
Chickweed flower pistil. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a chickweed flower (Stellaria media) pistil. Pistils hold a plants female reproductive structures

Chickweed flower pistil and pollen, SEM
Chickweed flower pistil and pollen. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a chickweed flower (Stellaria media) pistil (yellow) and pollen grains (green)

Cucumber pollen, SEM
Cucumber pollen. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of pollen grains (green) from a cucumber plant (Cucumis sativus)

Common dewberry pollen, SEM
Common dewberry pollen grains. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of pollen grains from the common dewberry (Rubus flagellaris)

Zinnia flower pistil and pollen, SEM
Zinnia flower pistil and pollen. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a Zinnia sp. flower pistil (green) and pollen grains (yellow). Pistils hold a plants female reproductive structures

Pollination. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of pollen grains (orange) on the stigmas (tips of the green projections) of a flower

Daisy pollen, SEM
Daisy pollen grains. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of pollen grains from the daisy flower (family Asteraceae)

Morning glory stigma and pollen, SEM
Morning glory stigma and pollen. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the stigma (brown) of a morning glory flower (Ipomoea sp.), with pollen grains (orange)

Pollen grains, SEM
Pollen grains. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of pollen grains (purple) from an unidentified plant. There is great variation in the size, shape and surface texture of pollen

Wild strawberry stamens, SEM
Wild strawberry stamens. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the stamens of the flower of a wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca), showing pollen grains (yellow)

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Gametes, the tiny yet powerful reproductive cells, play a crucial role in the cycle of life. Captured under the lens of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), these microscopic wonders reveal their intricate beauty and significance. In one captivating image, we observe the delicate structure of a Geranium anther. Its vibrant colors and fine details showcase nature's artistry at its finest. This anther holds within it countless Geranium pollen grains, each carrying the potential to create new life. Moving on to another SEM masterpiece, we witness a Honeybee leg adorned with pollen grains collected during its pollination journey. These minuscule particles cling to every hair-like structure on the bee's leg, showcasing how these industrious insects inadvertently aid in plant reproduction while seeking nectar. Zooming closer into nature's marvels, Philadelphia fleabane pollen grains come into focus through SEM imagery. Their unique shapes and textures hint at their adaptability for efficient dispersal by wind or animal vectors – ensuring successful fertilization across vast distances. Gorse stigma with pollen grains presents us with yet another mesmerizing sight under SEM observation. The interplay between this flower's receptive surface and meticulously crafted pollen grains showcases evolution's ingenuity in facilitating cross-pollination among plants. Shifting gears from flora to contraception methods brings us face-to-face with IUD contraceptive and sperm cells' juxtaposition. This thought-provoking image serves as a reminder that gametes not only hold promise for creation but also highlight humanity's quest for reproductive control. As our exploration continues through SEM imagery, Forsythia pollen grains captivate us with their elegance and symmetry. Each grain acts as a messenger transporting genetic material from one flower to another – perpetuating biodiversity in our natural world. Chickweed pollen grains make their appearance next – small yet significant contributors to plant reproduction through insect-mediated pollination processes. Their presence reminds us of the interconnectedness between various organisms within ecosystems.