Pollen

Pollen is the microspores of seed plants that is shed from anthers. Pollen contains microgametophytes, which produce the male gametes (sperm cells). Pollen grains have a hard coat that protects the sperm cells as them move from the stamens to the pistil of a flowering plant. When the pollen lands on a pistil, it germinates and produces a pollen tube that transfers the sperm to the ovule. It is shown here as the powdery yellow stuff.