IGCSE Biology glossary
Pollen
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
A fine powder produced by the anthers of a flower, containing the male gametes. Pollen grains are transferred from the anther to the stigma of a flower (pollination) by wind or insects. Once on the stigma, a pollen tube grows down the style to deliver the male nucleus to the ovule for fertilisation.
What to include in an exam answer
Know the differences between wind-pollinated and insect-pollinated flowers. Wind-pollinated: small, light pollen, feathery stigma, no scent/nectar. Insect-pollinated: sticky/spiky pollen, sticky stigma, colourful petals, scent and nectar.
Example in context
Describe two features of insect-pollinated flowers that aid pollination (2 marks): They have brightly coloured petals to attract insects and produce nectar as a reward, encouraging insects to visit and transfer sticky pollen between flowers.
Related syllabus topic
Reproduction