Question

Which of the following has proved helpful in preserving pollen as fossils?
A.Oil content
B.Pollen kit
C.Sporopollenin
D.Cellulosic intine

Answer 1

We know that flowers are the reproductive organ in plants.The male reproductive part in a flower is called Androecium. It is made up of stamens. Stamens are made up of anthers and filaments. Inside anther, pollen grains are produced by a process called microsporogenesis.

Complete answer:
We know that male gametophytes are represented by pollen grains.
Pollen grains are spherical structures formed inside microsporangium. They have two walled covers that help pollen grains to protect themselves from adverse conditions. The outer layer is called exine and is formed by a hard substance called sporopollenin. This substance is considered the most durable organic material and is capable of withstand adverse conditions. Sporopollenin doesn’t rupture even in high temperatures, exposure to acids, and alkali. Also no enzyme is capable of destroying this material that provides an outer covering to pollen grains.
The ability of pollen grains to remain as fossils for several years is provided by sporopollenin. Even though it covers the outer layer, sporopollenin is absent at a particular part. This part is called the germ pore. The inner layer of the pollen grain is comparatively thin and is made up of cellulose and pectins.
The pollen grains have to reach the stigma of female flowers in-order to produce male gametes that are needed for fertilization. The process of transferring pollen grains to the stigma of a flower is called pollination.
Hence the correct option is C.

Note: Note that pollination is done with the help of both biotic and abiotic agents. The pollen grains may get modified according to their agents of pollination. For example, pollen grains of wind-pollinated plants will be light and non-sticky so that they are transported easily along with the wind.