What is the fine dust that contains the sperm of seed-producing plants known as?

Pollen is the fine dust produced by seed-producing plants, primarily as part of their reproductive process. It consists of microscopic grains containing the male gametes (sperm cells) of the plant. These grains are integral to the fertilization process, as they must be transferred from the male reproductive structures (stamens) to the female ovules (within the ovary) to enable the formation of seeds.

The process of pollination leads to fertilization, which is essential for plant reproduction. Unlike spores, which are reproductive cells primarily for non-seed plants like ferns, pollen is specifically associated with seed-producing plants such as flowering plants and conifers. Fertilizer, on the other hand, refers to substances that provide nutrients to plants, and seeds are the mature ovules that contain the embryo. Therefore, pollen is distinct in its role and composition, making it crucial for the reproduction of seed plants.