Ephedra plant male cone. Light micrograph of a section through part of a male strobilus (cone) of an Ephedra sp. plant. The outer structure seen here is a microsporophyll, a leaf-like structure that bears male gametes (sex cells). Within the microsporopyll are microsporangia, or pollen sacs (green). Within the microsporangia are microgametophytes, or pollen grains (dots), the male sex cell. Each cone produces large amounts of pollen. When mature the pollen grains are released and dispersed by the wind. Magnification: x40 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.