EXERCISE

POLLEN TUBE GROWTH ON STIGMA

Aim: To study the pollen tube growth on stigma in a pistil.

Principle: Pollen grains deposited on a compatible stigma germinate and produce the pollen tube. A
pollen tube is an extension of the intine. It emerges through one of the germ pore and passes through
the tissues of stigma and style to reach the ovule. The growing pollen tube is observed by staining the
style and stigma with cotton blue.

Requirement: 2 – 3 excised styles with stigma of Vinca rosea flowers, beaker, water, slides, cover
slips, cotton blue stain, compound microscope, brush and needle.

Procedure:

1. Take a beaker with water and boil.

2. Place the cut styles with stigma in boiling water for 10 minutes to soften the tissues.
3. Take out a stigma and put it on a slide containing a drop of water.
4. Put a drop of cotton blue (Lactophenol) over it and allow it to stand for 2 minutes.
5. Place a cover slip on it and press it gently with your thumb.
6. Observe under low power objective of the compound microscope.

Observation:
Blue coloured tubular structures moving through the tissues of style and stigma are seen.

Pollen grain

Stigma

Style

Pollen tube

POLLEN TUBE GROWTH ON STIGMA