Question

Which of the following statements is correct regarding sporopollenin?

• A. Sporopollenin is made up of inorganic materials
• B. Sporopollenin can be degraded by enzymes
• C. Sporopollenin can withstand high temperatures but not strong acids
• D. Sporopollenin can withstand high temperatures as well as strong acids and alkalis

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Sporopollenin can withstand high temperatures as well as strong acids and alkalis

The correct option is D.

Explanation for the correct option:

1. One of the most biological polymers that are chemically inert is sporopollenin.
2. It makes up a significant portion of the strong exine walls that cover pollen grains and plant spores.
3. It is extremely durable chemically and often well retained in sediments and soils.
4. It is one of the known chemical compounds with the highest resistance.
5. It shields pollen grains from environmental elements like heat, acid, alkali, etc.
6. Sporopollenin is an extremely stable, strongly cross-linked polymer made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that has been discovered in sedimentary rocks dating back to 500 million years.

Final answer: Sporopollenin can withstand high temperatures as well as strong acids and alkalis is the correct statement regarding sporopollenin