What is the function of pollen in male plants?

Pollen's primary function in male plants is to contain the male gamete or gametes, which are essential for the process of sexual reproduction in flowering plants. Pollen grains are produced in the anthers of flowers and serve as the means by which male gametes are delivered to the female parts of the flower, specifically the stigma.

When a pollen grain lands on the stigma, it germinates and forms a pollen tube, through which the male gametes travel to reach the ovule, where fertilization occurs. This interaction leads to the formation of seeds once fertilization is successful. Understanding this is crucial because it highlights the role of pollen not only in reproduction but also in facilitating genetic diversity through the combination of genetic material from male and female gametes.

In contrast to the other functions listed, pollen does not provide energy for plant growth directly, nor does it contain female gametes or produce seeds by itself; rather, it plays a critical role in the fertilization process that leads to seed development.