Question

The pollen of which of the following plants is notorious to cause severe respiratory problems?
1. Parthenium
2. Lantana
3. Acacia
4. All of these

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Parthenium

Concept-

• Pollen grains are considered as the first cell of male gametophyte.
• Pollen grains are generally spherical and are surrounded by two distinct wall layers.
  • The outer layer is thick called Exine and made up of sporopollenin which is a highly resistant organic material.
  • The inner layer is thin is called Intine which is made up of pectin, and cellulose.

Explanation-

• Pollen grains of some plants which are present in the air cause allergy and are called “aeroallergens” e.g., Parthenium (Carrot grass), Sorghum.
• In some people, allergic pollens cause chronic respiratory disorders- Asthma, Bronchitis, etc.

Hence, we can conclude that the pollen of the parthenium plant (carrot grass) causes respiratory problems.

• Parthenium that came into India as a containment without imported wheat has become ubiquitous in occurrence.
• “Hay fever” is caused by pollen of Ambrosia.