Images of pollen by different microscopies

Comparative micrographs of white campion (Lychnis alba) pollen grains revealed using light microscopy (left), transmission electron microscopy (middle), and scanning electron microscopy (right). All have been adjusted to the same magnification. Note in particular the different kinds of visual information conveyed by each.

The light micrograph shows a flat appearance due to the very shallow depth-of-focus of the instrument in which only the center of the pollen grain appears in focus, and an out-of-focus appearance exists around the edge of the pollen grain. The transmission electron micrograph is of a section which shows internal structure and the presence of bulges at sites called apertures.

The scanning electron micrograph shows a three-dimensional-like view which quickly gives the observer a feel for the surface properties of the pollen grain.