Gymnosperm cone

Pinecones represent a gymnosperm cone. Gymnosperms are a vascular plant that produce seeds that are not protected by a fruit or ovary. Conifers, plants that produce the cones, can make either male of female seeds. The male cone holds the pollen, which is then transported by insects, bees, or the wind. The female cones then receives the pollen, which contains the sperm that will fertilize the egg. Pinecones are an example of the seeds that are produces after this process.