First cell of the gametophyte generation in certain pterophytes as well as .

Microspore along with megaspore are associated with plants that can be described as heterosporous, with in fact the different spore type giving rise to the that "hetero" spore designation.

The microspore gives rise to pollen in those plants that produce pollen and, indeed, pollen can be referred also using the term 'microspore'. Ultimately either or are products of microspore germination and subsequent mitosis.

The microspore is produced within a type of sporangia referred to as .

Contrast homosporous plants which lack such a distinction and, indeed, often lack as well.