LGP 2026 | Batch 3 | Exploring the Microcosm | Day 4 | Tomato Skin, Tomato Flesh & Pollen | Ashoka University
Jun 05, 2026 • 5:19 PM UTC
India
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Aadit
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Today's observations focused on three different plant samples: frangipani pollen, a leaf stem, and a leaf. Although all three originated from plants, they looked surprisingly different under the Foldscope. Moving from pollen grains to plant tissue highlighted how diverse microscopic structures can be, even within familiar everyday specimens, which I keep realising every time I work with the foldscope.
Frangipani Pollen
The frangipani pollen was easily the most visually striking sample of the session. At lower magnification, the pollen appeared as dense clusters of tiny particles scattered across the slide. The grains seemed to gather together in clusters.
Frangipani Pollen
The frangipani pollen was easily the most visually striking sample of the session. At lower magnification, the pollen appeared as dense clusters of tiny particles scattered across the slide. The grains seemed to gather together in clusters.
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At higher magnification, individual pollen grains became easier to distinguish. Some appeared rounded while others seemed slightly irregular, depending on their orientation. The texture was more noticeable, giving it an aesthetic and complex appearance
The close-up view revealed just how many pollen grains were packed into a small area, making you realise that what appears as a fine dust on the flower is actually made up of countless individual structures whose magnitude we cannot perceive with our naked eyes.
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Leaf Stem
The leaf stem, however, obviously presented a completely different view, a network of long, thin fibres stretching across the field of view. Some strands appeared thicker and more prominent, while smaller fibres branched away in different directions.
The leaf stem, however, obviously presented a completely different view, a network of long, thin fibres stretching across the field of view. Some strands appeared thicker and more prominent, while smaller fibres branched away in different directions.
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At a closer view, the tissue looked translucent, with certain areas reflecting more light than others. Providing a clearer visualisation of the stem itself.
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The final image revealed additional detail within the fibrous network. Curved and overlapping strands could be seen throughout the sample, highlighting the stem's role as a supporting structure within the leaf.
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Leaf
The leaf sample was prepared in a different way. The leaf sample was prepared by carefully peeling a thin transparent layer from the surface of the leaf and mounting it on a slide. This produced a thin enough sample for observation under the Foldscope.
The leaf sample immediately stood out because of its strong green colour (many different shades were visible). Unlike the stem, which was basically dominated by fibres, the leaf displayed a denser surface.
The leaf sample was prepared in a different way. The leaf sample was prepared by carefully peeling a thin transparent layer from the surface of the leaf and mounting it on a slide. This produced a thin enough sample for observation under the Foldscope.
The leaf sample immediately stood out because of its strong green colour (many different shades were visible). Unlike the stem, which was basically dominated by fibres, the leaf displayed a denser surface.
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At a closer view, the edge of the leaf became visible. The tissue appeared compact, with the chlorophyll-rich regions spread across the field of view.
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Overall
Overall, comparing these samples side by side was far more interesting than observing them individually. It made it easier to appreciate how different parts of a plant are adapted for completely different functions, and as usual, it was very insightful as a session, as it made me think critically and apply my knowledge to analyse the samples and the natural logic behind the structure of each.
Overall, comparing these samples side by side was far more interesting than observing them individually. It made it easier to appreciate how different parts of a plant are adapted for completely different functions, and as usual, it was very insightful as a session, as it made me think critically and apply my knowledge to analyse the samples and the natural logic behind the structure of each.
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