False-colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the ovary of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, showing individual ovules (eggs) attached to the

---

False-colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the ovary of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, showing individual ovules (eggs) attached to the mother plant by a short stalk or funiculus. Each ovule consists of a central mass of material called the nucellus, within which is lodged the embryo sac containing a large egg cell. The nucellus is surrounded by two layers of tissue, except for a small passageway called the micropyle, through which the male gamete gains access to the egg cell. If fertilized, each ovule becomes a seed. Magnification: x15 at 35mm size. Green tint (\leech\"). Reference: MICROCOSMOS, figure , page 84."

---

Size: 3341px × 4417px
Photo credit: © DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: botany, flower, flowering, funicle, nature, opium, ovary, ovule, papaver, part, parts, plant, plants, poppy, somniferum