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Sporopollenin is a highly resistant biopolymer that forms the outer layer of pollen grains and some spores. This remarkable durability makes it invaluable for the fossil record, as it preserves the distinctive patterns of pollen exine, aiding in species identification and climate reconstruction. In botany, sporopollenin is a key component of the exine, the outer wall of pollen grains, which often features intricate sculpturing. These patterns can be characteristic of specific plant families, genera, or species and play a role in how pollen adheres to pollinators. The resistance of sporopollenin also contributes to allergic reactions, such as hay fever, due to proteins within the pollen walls.12

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