46. What is pollen?

It is the male reproductive cell (gamete) of flowering plants.  It is produced by the anthers and should reach the flower ovaries (from the same or from another plant of the same species), so that fertilization occurs for the subsequent formation of fruits and seeds.  This process is called pollination and it occurs in most cases with the help of external agents such as wind, rain and animals that feed on pollen and nectar, like bees.