The Theory of Diffusion of Solutes in Pollen; Theory, Design and Experimental Procedure

The theory of diffusion of solutes in pollen is developed andused to derive formulae from which the mean diffusion coefficient() can be determined. A mathematical relation ß_PGC t = ln (C₀/C_f) is developedby employing Fick's law. In this relation is the average diffusion coefficient, ß_PGC is a constantcharacteristic of the pollen, the ‘Pollen Grain Constant’,C₀ and C_f are the initial and final concentration differencesbetween the solution of the solute and the pollen grain andt is the time of diffusion in seconds. A diffusion apparatushas been designed and made. The design is simple to operateand an experimental procedure is described to determine theß_PGC using dilute potassium chloride solutions. Knowingthe pollen grain constant, the method to determine diffusioncoefficient () with any other solute is explained. Diffusion, design, pollen, solutes, theory