Question

Identify the pair of wrong statements in the following.
I) Intine of pollen grain is made up of sporopollenin.
II) Pollen grains are well preserved as fossils because of the presence of sporopollenin.
III) Enzymes can degrade the organic material of the exine of pollen grain.
IV) Sporopollenin can withstand high temperatures, strong acids and alkali.

• A. III, IV
• B. I, III
• C. I, II
• D. II, III

Answer 1

The correct option is B I, III

Intine of pollen grains generally consists of cellulose and pectins. So, I is incorrect.
The exine is very resistant to disintegration, treatment with intense heat, strong acids, or strong bases. it is composed of sporopollenins. So, III is incorrect.

As the exine layer is tough, the general form of the pollen grain is easily preserved in various kinds of sediments (fossils).

Thus, the correct answer is option (B).