Scientists Discover Ancient Safety Valve Linking Pollen to Bacteria
Friday, October 23, 2015 - 15:00
in Biology & Nature
New research shows that an ancient protein that protects bacteria from bursting also helps pollen survive the dangerous transition from desiccated to hydrated once it lands on the female flower. But in pollen's case, the protein has evolved to provide just the right amount of internal pressure: enough to power cell growth but not so much that the pollen bursts and dies.