Plant Biology
Pollen
Microscopic grains containing male reproductive cells of seed plants. Pollen must reach female plant parts for fertilization to occur.
Biological Context
Pollen can be carried by wind, water, insects, birds, or bats. Wind-pollinated plants produce abundant, lightweight pollen; animal-pollinated plants produce less but stickier pollen. Pollen allergies result from immune reactions to proteins in pollen grains.
Business Application
Ideas, innovations, and practices spread through organizations like pollen—they must reach receptive environments to generate new growth. Some spread broadly (wind-like mass communication), others through specific carriers (consultants, conferences).