Pollen grains, computer illustration. The outer wall (exine) of the pollen in many plant species is highly sculpted which may assist in wind, water or insect dispersal. This pollen sculpting is also used by botanists to recognise plant species. Pores in the pollen wall help in water regulation and germination. These reproductive male spores produced by seed plants contain the male gametes. Pollen fertilises the female egg, with subsequent formation of plant seeds.