Macrophotograph of an inflorescenece (flowering shoot) of the cocksfoot grass Dactylis glomerata, showing pollen-bearing anthers (tiny boat-shaped str

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Macrophotograph of an inflorescenece (flowering shoot) of the cocksfoot grass Dactylis glomerata, showing pollen-bearing anthers (tiny boat-shaped structures) dangling from individual flowers. Cocksfoot pollen, a summer grass pollen abundant in June, is a cause of hay fever (medical term Allergic rhinitis & pollenosis). Sufferers produce a sensitising antibody, immunoglobin E (IgE), which attaches to cells in the nose & eyes. It reacts with inhaled pollen (allergen) causing the release of various chemicals, including histamine. Histamine causes the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes & throat to swell & become inflamed, bringing on the familiar hay fever symptoms. Mag:X2 (35mm).

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Size: 2480px × 3794px
Photo credit: © DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: allergic, anther, botany, cocksfoot, dactylis, fever, flower, flowering, flowers, glomerata, grass, hay, hayfever, nature, plant, plants, pollen, pollinosis, rhinitis, type, wild