Step 1: Understanding pollen wall structure.
The outer layer of pollen grains is called exine, which is highly resistant to degradation.
Step 2: Chemical composition of exine.
Exine is made up of sporopollenin, one of the most chemically inert and resistant biological polymers.
Step 3: Fossilization property.
Because sporopollenin is highly resistant to enzymes, heat, and chemical degradation, pollen grains are well preserved in fossil records.
Step 4: Analysis of other options.
Lignin and pectin are plant cell wall components but are not as resistant. Chitin is found in fungi and insects, not pollen walls.
Step 5: Final verification.
Only sporopollenin explains long-term fossil preservation of pollen grains.
Step 6: Final conclusion.
Hence, the correct answer is sporopollenin.
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