What is the Difference between Exine and Intine?

The main difference between intine and exine is that intine is the inner layer of a pollen grain whereas exine is the outermost protective layer of the pollen grain.

A pollen grain is a male gametophyte, which on pollination upon the stigma of flowers carry out reproduction.

What is Exine?

Exine is the outermost layer of the pollen grain made up of sporopollenin. Sporopollenin is a highly resistant polymer made up of phenolics, carotenoids, phenylpropanoids and fatty acids. This resistant layer saves the reproductive cells inside from any injury or harsh environmental conditions.

What is Intine?

Intine is the inner, less hard layer of the pollen grain made up of pectin and cellulose. It plays a very important role in the maturation of pollen grain and germination of the pollen tube.

Exine vs Intine

Exine	Intine
Location
It is the outermost layer of pollen grain.	It is the inner layer of pollen grain, next to the exine.
Composition
It is made up of sporopollenin.	It is made up of pectin and cellulose.
Function
It acts as a protective layer from the harsh conditions.	It helps in the maturation of pollen grain and germination of the pollen tube.
Development
The sporopollenin layer is developed with the help of anther cell wall and tapetum.	The intine layer is formed with the help of microspore cytoplasm.
Surface
It has ridges and grooves on the surface.	No ridges and grooves found.
Resistance
It is more resistant.	It is less resistant.

Explore BYJU’S Biology to learn more about plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of exine and intine?

Exine functions as a protective layer for the pollen grain and the intine helps in the germination of the pollen tube.

What are intine and exine made up of?

Intine is made up of pectin and cellulose and exine is made up of sporopollenin.

What is called exine?

The outer layer of a pollen grain is called exine.

What is intine in pollen?

Intine is the inner layer of pollen grain which helps in its development and germination

What is the exine in pollen grain?

Exine is the outermost layer of the pollen grain made up of sporopollenin. Sporopollenin is a highly resistant polymer made up of phenolics, carotenoids, phenylpropanoids and fatty acids. This resistant layer saves the reproductive cells inside from any injury or harsh environmental conditions.