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PLANT FAMILIES

DISCLAIMER

This chapter “Plant Families” has been prepared for educational and examination-preparation purposes only, especially for students preparing for NEET and other medical entrance examinations.

The chapter contains theoretical explanations, MCQ questions, answers, explanations and references to NEET/AIPMT questions with examination names and years. Some previous-year questions may be based on publicly available question papers and memory-based sources.

Every effort has been made to provide accurate and useful information; however, the website owner/author does not guarantee that all information, questions, answers, explanations, examination years or question wording are completely error-free.

The website owner/author is not responsible for any error, omission, discrepancy, or loss arising from the use of this educational material. Students are advised to verify important information with the latest NCERT Biology textbook, official NEET/NTA sources and other authentic educational sources before relying upon it for examination preparation.

The inclusion of any NEET/AIPMT question, examination name, or year does not imply any affiliation, authorization, endorsement, or association with NTA, NEET, AIPMT or any government examination authority.

This material should be used only as a supplementary study and revision resource and should not be considered a substitute for NCERT textbooks or official examination information.

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CHAPTER — PLANT FAMILIES

1. Introduction

In flowering plants, several plants are grouped into families on the basis of similarities in their vegetative and reproductive characteristics. For NEET, the three families of greatest importance in this chapter are:

Fabaceae
Solanaceae
Liliaceae

These families are specifically included in the NCERT curriculum for the study of flowering plants. NCERT also emphasizes their study through floral structures, anthers, ovaries, roots, stems, leaves and related characters.

For identification of a plant family, the following characters are particularly important:

Habit

Root

Stem

Leaves

Inflorescence

Flower

Calyx

Corolla or perianth

Aestivation

Androecium

Gynoecium

Placentation

Fruit

Floral formula

Economic importance

2. FAMILY FABACEAE

2.1 General Introduction

Fabaceae is an important dicot family containing many plants of agricultural, medicinal and economic importance.

Important examples include:

Pisum sativum — Pea

Cicer arietinum — Gram

Arachis hypogaea — Groundnut

Glycine max — Soybean

Cajanus cajan — Pigeon pea

Sesbania

Indigofera

Lupin

Fabaceae is particularly important for NEET because of its characteristic papilionaceous corolla, vexillary aestivation and diadelphous stamens.

2.2 Habit

Members of Fabaceae may be:

Herbs

Shrubs

Trees

The family therefore shows considerable diversity in growth habit.

2.3 Root

The root system is generally a tap root system.

Root nodules are commonly present in many members.

These nodules contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria, particularly Rhizobium, which helps in biological nitrogen fixation.

2.4 Stem

The stem may be:

Herbaceous

Woody

Erect

Climbing

The nature of the stem varies among different members.

2.5 Leaves

Leaves are generally:

Alternate

Compound

Usually pinnately compound

Stipulate

In some members, parts of the leaf may be modified into tendrils.

2.6 Inflorescence

The inflorescence is generally racemose, although variation occurs among different members.

2.7 Flower

The flower of Fabaceae is generally:

Bisexual

Zygomorphic

Complete

Hypogynous

Usually pentamerous

Zygomorphic

A zygomorphic flower can be divided into two equal halves in only one particular vertical plane.

The pea flower is a classic example.

2.8 Calyx

The calyx consists of five sepals.

The sepals are generally united.

Therefore, the calyx is:

Gamosepalous

The aestivation is generally imbricate.

2.9 Corolla

The corolla is the most characteristic feature of Fabaceae.

It is called papilionaceous corolla.

There are five petals arranged into three types:

1. Standard

One large posterior petal is called the:

Standard or Vexillum

2. Wings

Two lateral petals are called:

Wings

3. Keel

Two anterior petals form the:

Keel or Carina

Therefore:

1 + 2 + 2 = 5 petals

2.10 Vexillary Aestivation

The characteristic aestivation of the papilionaceous corolla is:

Vexillary or descending imbricate aestivation

The large standard overlaps the two wings, and the wings overlap the keel petals.

NEET Key Point

Fabaceae → Papilionaceous corolla → Vexillary aestivation

2.11 Androecium

The androecium generally consists of 10 stamens.

The characteristic arrangement is:

9 + 1

Nine stamens are united while one remains free.

This condition is called:

Diadelphous

Thus:

Fabaceae → 10 stamens → Diadelphous → 9 + 1

The anthers are generally dithecous.

2.12 Gynoecium

The gynoecium is generally:

Monocarpellary

Ovary superior

Unilocular

Usually containing several ovules

The placentation is:

Marginal

Important NEET Point

Fabaceae → Marginal placentation

2.13 Fruit

The characteristic fruit is a:

Legume or pod

Examples include the pods of:

Pea

Gram

Bean

2.14 Floral Formula

A commonly used representation of Fabaceae is:

% ⚥ K(5) C1+2+(2) A(9)+1 G1

Important symbols:

% → Zygomorphic

⚥ → Bisexual

K(5) → Five united sepals

C1+2+(2) → Papilionaceous corolla

A(9)+1 → Diadelphous stamens

G1 → Monocarpellary gynoecium

2.15 Economic Importance of Fabaceae

Fabaceae is one of the economically important plant families.

Pulses

Gram

Pea

Pigeon pea

Beans

Oil-producing plants

Groundnut

Soybean

Fibre

Sunhemp is an important fibre-producing member.

Dye

Indigofera provides indigo dye.

Fodder

Several members are used as fodder.

Soil fertility

Many members contribute to nitrogen enrichment of soil through symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

3. FAMILY SOLANACEAE

3.1 General Introduction

Solanaceae is commonly known as an important potato/tomato family.

Important members include:

Solanum tuberosum — Potato

Solanum lycopersicum — Tomato

Solanum melongena — Brinjal

Capsicum — Chilli

Nicotiana — Tobacco

Petunia

Datura

Withania

3.2 Habit

Members of Solanaceae may occur as:

Herbs

Shrubs

Small trees

3.3 Root

The root system is generally:

Tap root

3.4 Stem

The stem may be:

Herbaceous

Woody

Branched

Erect

An important example is potato, in which the underground tuber is a modified stem.

3.5 Leaves

Leaves are generally:

Alternate

Simple

Exstipulate

Venation is generally reticulate.

3.6 Inflorescence

Inflorescence may be:

Solitary

Cymose

Various modifications depending upon the genus

3.7 Flower

Flowers are generally:

Bisexual

Actinomorphic

Complete

Hypogynous

Pentamerous

Actinomorphic

An actinomorphic flower can be divided into approximately equal halves through more than one vertical plane passing through the centre.

3.8 Calyx

The calyx consists of:

Five sepals

The sepals are united.

Therefore, it is:

Gamosepalous

The calyx is generally persistent.

Aestivation is:

Valvate

3.9 Corolla

The corolla consists of:

Five petals

The petals are united.

Therefore, it is:

Gamopetalous

The corolla is generally rotate or funnel-shaped, depending on the species.

3.10 Androecium

There are generally:

Five stamens

The stamens are:

Epipetalous

When stamens are attached to the petals, they are called epipetalous.

The stamens are generally arranged alternately with the petals.

3.11 Gynoecium

The gynoecium consists of:

Two carpels

Syncarpous

Ovary superior

Usually bilocular

The placentation is:

Axile

NEET Key Point

Solanaceae → Bicarpellary syncarpous → Superior ovary → Axile placentation

3.12 Fruit

The fruit may be:

Berry

Capsule

Examples:

Tomato → Berry

Brinjal → Berry

Potato → Berry botanically

Datura → Capsule

3.13 Floral Formula

A commonly used floral formula is:

⊕ ⚥ K(5) C(5) A5 G(2)

Important features:

⊕ → Actinomorphic

⚥ → Bisexual

K(5) → Five united sepals

C(5) → Five united petals

A5 → Five stamens

G(2) → Bicarpellary syncarpous gynoecium

The ovary is superior.

3.14 Economic Importance of Solanaceae

Food

Potato

Tomato

Brinjal

Chilli

Medicinal plants

Some members such as:

Datura

Atropa

Withania

have medicinal importance.

Tobacco

Nicotiana is the source of tobacco.

Ornamental plants

Petunia

Datura

4. FAMILY LILIACEAE

4.1 General Introduction

Liliaceae is an important monocot family.

Important examples include:

Lily

Tulip

Allium cepa — Onion

Garlic

Aloe

Asparagus

Colchicum

4.2 Habit

Members are generally:

Perennial herbs

Many members possess underground structures used for storage and vegetative propagation.

4.3 Root

The root system is generally:

Fibrous/adventitious

This is a typical monocot characteristic.

4.4 Stem

The stem may be modified into underground structures such as:

Bulbs

Rhizomes

Other storage structures

For example, onion has a bulb.

4.5 Leaves

Leaves are generally:

Simple

Alternate

Exstipulate

Often basal or cauline

Venation is generally:

Parallel

4.6 Inflorescence

Inflorescence varies among members and may be:

Racemose

Umbellate

Solitary

4.7 Flower

The flowers are generally:

Bisexual

Actinomorphic

Complete

Hypogynous

Trimerous

Floral parts are generally arranged in multiples of three.

4.8 Perianth

In Liliaceae, the perianth consists generally of:

Six tepals

Arranged in two whorls:

3 + 3

The tepals are usually similar to one another.

Thus, a separate calyx and corolla are not clearly differentiated.

4.9 Androecium

There are generally:

Six stamens

Arranged as:

3 + 3

The stamens are generally:

Epiphyllous

Stamens attached to the perianth/tepals are called epiphyllous.

4.10 Gynoecium

The gynoecium generally consists of:

Three carpels

Syncarpous

Ovary superior

Usually trilocular

The placentation is:

Axile

NEET Key Point

Liliaceae → Tricarpellary syncarpous → Superior ovary → Axile placentation

4.11 Fruit

The fruit is generally:

Capsule

Sometimes berry in some members

4.12 Floral Formula

A commonly used floral formula is:

⊕ ⚥ P3+3 A3+3 G(3)

Important points:

⊕ → Actinomorphic

⚥ → Bisexual

P3+3 → Six tepals

A3+3 → Six stamens

G(3) → Three fused carpels

The ovary is superior.

4.13 Economic Importance of Liliaceae

Food

Onion

Garlic

Medicinal importance

Aloe

Colchicum

Ornamental plants

Lily

Tulip

Other uses

Several members are cultivated for ornamental, medicinal and agricultural purposes.

5. COMPARATIVE TABLE — FABACEAE, SOLANACEAE AND LILIACEAE

Character	Fabaceae	Solanaceae	Liliaceae
Major group	Dicot	Dicot	Monocot
Habit	Herbs/shrubs/trees	Herbs/shrubs	Mostly perennial herbs
Root	Tap	Tap	Fibrous/adventitious
Leaf venation	Usually reticulate	Reticulate	Parallel
Flower symmetry	Zygomorphic	Actinomorphic	Actinomorphic
Flower	Bisexual	Bisexual	Bisexual
Merosity	Usually pentamerous	Pentamerous	Trimerous
Calyx	5, united	5, united	Perianth present
Corolla/perianth	Papilionaceous	5 united petals	6 tepals
Aestivation	Vexillary	Valvate	Usually imbricate
Stamens	10	5	6
Stamen attachment	Diadelphous	Epipetalous	Epiphyllous
Carpels	1	2	3
Gynoecium	Monocarpellary	Bicarpellary syncarpous	Tricarpellary syncarpous
Ovary	Superior	Superior	Superior
Placentation	Marginal	Axile	Axile
Fruit	Legume	Berry/Capsule	Capsule/Berry
Typical example	Pea	Tomato	Lily

The three-family comparison is also explicitly emphasized in the NCERT Exemplar, including comparison of gynoecium and floral characters.

6. NEET ONE-LINE REVISION

Fabaceae

Papilionaceous → Vexillary → Diadelphous → Marginal → Legume

Solanaceae

Actinomorphic → Gamopetalous → Epipetalous → Axile → Berry/Capsule

Liliaceae

Monocot → Trimerous → Tepals → Epiphyllous → Axile → Capsule/Berry

7. MOST IMPORTANT FAMILY IDENTIFICATION POINTS

If you see:

Vexillary aestivation + standard + wings + keel

→ Fabaceae

9 + 1 diadelphous stamens

→ Fabaceae

Marginal placentation

→ Fabaceae

5 epipetalous stamens + axile placentation

→ Solanaceae

Five fused petals + five stamens

→ Solanaceae

Berry or capsule

→ Solanaceae

Six tepals + six stamens + trimerous flower

→ Liliaceae

Epiphyllous stamens

→ Liliaceae

Parallel venation + monocot characters

→ Liliaceae

PLANT FAMILIES — NEET/AIPMT PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

PYQ 1

Exam: NEET 2023
Topic: Fabaceae vs. Solanaceae vs. Liliaceae

Question

Fabaceae differs from Solanaceae and Liliaceae. Which characteristic is specific to Fabaceae with respect to its stamens?

Epiphyllous and dithecous anthers
Diadelphous and dithecous anthers
Polyadelphous and epipetalous stamens
Monadelphous and monothecous anthers

Answer:

2. Diadelphous and dithecous anthers

Explanation

Fabaceae generally possesses 10 stamens arranged as 9 + 1.

Nine stamens are united and one is free. This condition is called diadelphous.

Its anthers are generally dithecous.

Comparison:

Fabaceae → Diadelphous

Solanaceae → Epipetalous

Liliaceae → Epiphyllous

Therefore, option 2 is correct.

PYQ 2

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Floral formula and family identification

Question

A particular floral formula represents a member of which of the following?

Allium
Sesbania
Petunia
Brassica

Answer:

3. Petunia

Explanation

Petunia belongs to Solanaceae.

The characteristic Solanaceae floral features include:

Actinomorphic flower

Bisexual flower

Five united sepals

Five united petals

Five epipetalous stamens

Bicarpellary syncarpous gynoecium

Superior ovary

Axile placentation

Thus, the given floral formula corresponds to Solanaceae → Petunia.

PYQ 3

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Fabaceae

Question

Which of the following plants belongs to Fabaceae?

Allium
Sesbania
Petunia
Brassica

Answer:

2. Sesbania

Explanation

Sesbania belongs to Fabaceae.

Other options:

Allium → Liliaceae

Petunia → Solanaceae

Brassica → Brassicaceae

Fabaceae is characterized by a papilionaceous corolla, vexillary aestivation and diadelphous stamens.

PYQ 4

Exam: NEET 2006
Topic: Solanaceae

Question

Pentamerous, actinomorphic flowers, bicarpellary ovary with oblique septa and fruit as capsule or berry are characteristic features of:

Brassicaceae
Solanaceae
Liliaceae
Asteraceae

Answer:

2. Solanaceae

Explanation

The characteristic features of Solanaceae include:

Pentamerous flowers

Actinomorphic symmetry

Bicarpellary syncarpous gynoecium

Superior ovary

Axile placentation

Fruit generally berry or capsule

Therefore, the correct answer is Solanaceae.

PYQ 5

Exam: NEET 2019
Topic: Floral symmetry

Question

Zygomorphic flower is found in:

Mustard
Datura
Pea
Tomato

Answer:

3. Pea

Explanation

Pea belongs to Fabaceae and possesses a characteristic zygomorphic, papilionaceous flower.

The flower has:

One standard

Two wings

Two keel petals

In contrast, Datura and tomato belong to Solanaceae and have actinomorphic flowers.

PYQ 6

Exam: AIPMT 2012
Topic: Placentation

Question

How many plants in the following list have marginal placentation?

Mustard, Gram, Tulip, Asparagus, Arhar, Sunhemp, Chilli, Colchicine, Onion, Moong, Pea, Tobacco, Lupin

Four
Five
Six
Three

Answer:

3. Six

Explanation

Marginal placentation is characteristic of Fabaceae.

From the list, the Fabaceae members are:

Gram
Arhar
Sunhemp
Moong
Pea
Lupin

Therefore:

Total = 6

Hence, option 3 is correct.

PYQ 7

Exam: AIPMT 2011
Topic: Fabaceae

Question

Which of the following plants possesses a zygomorphic flower?

Mustard
Pea
Datura
Tomato

Answer:

2. Pea

Explanation

Pea is a member of Fabaceae.

Its flower is:

Bisexual

Zygomorphic

Papilionaceous

The characteristic papilionaceous corolla consists of:

Standard + Wings + Keel

Therefore, pea is the correct answer.

PYQ 8

Exam: AIPMT 2012
Topic: Fabaceae

Question

Vexillary aestivation is characteristic of:

Solanaceae
Liliaceae
Fabaceae
Brassicaceae

Answer:

3. Fabaceae

Explanation

The corolla of Fabaceae is papilionaceous.

Its petals show vexillary or descending imbricate aestivation.

The large standard overlaps the wings, while the wings overlap the keel.

Therefore:

Vexillary aestivation → Fabaceae

PYQ 9

Exam: NEET/AIPMT chapterwise PYQ
Topic: Family identification

Question

Which family is characterized by a papilionaceous corolla?

Solanaceae
Fabaceae
Liliaceae
Asteraceae

Answer:

2. Fabaceae

Explanation

The papilionaceous corolla is characteristic of Fabaceae.

It consists of:

1 standard

2 wings

2 keel petals

The arrangement is associated with vexillary aestivation.

PYQ 10

Exam: NEET/AIPMT chapterwise PYQ
Topic: Solanaceae

Question

Which one of the following is characteristic of Solanaceae?

Pentamerous actinomorphic flowers
Trimerous zygomorphic flowers
Tetramerous actinomorphic flowers
Pentamerous zygomorphic flowers

Answer:

1. Pentamerous actinomorphic flowers

Explanation

Solanaceae flowers are generally:

Pentamerous

Actinomorphic

Bisexual

Hypogynous

The gynoecium is generally bicarpellary and syncarpous, with a superior ovary.

Therefore, option 1 is correct.

PYQ 11

Exam: NEET/AIPMT chapterwise PYQ
Topic: Fabaceae — Gynoecium

Question

Which combination correctly represents the gynoecium of Fabaceae?

Bicarpellary, syncarpous, inferior ovary
Monocarpellary, superior ovary, marginal placentation
Tricarpellary, syncarpous, inferior ovary
Bicarpellary, syncarpous, superior ovary with axile placentation

Answer:

2. Monocarpellary, superior ovary, marginal placentation

Explanation

Fabaceae has:

One carpel

Monocarpellary gynoecium

Superior ovary

Marginal placentation

This is an important distinction from Solanaceae and Liliaceae. NCERT/SATHEE specifically describes Fabaceae as having a monocarpellary superior ovary with marginal placentation.

PYQ 12

Exam: NEET/AIPMT chapterwise PYQ
Topic: Liliaceae

Question

Which combination correctly represents the gynoecium of Liliaceae?

Monocarpellary, superior ovary
Bicarpellary, inferior ovary
Tricarpellary, syncarpous, superior ovary
Bicarpellary, syncarpous, inferior ovary

Answer:

3. Tricarpellary, syncarpous, superior ovary

Explanation

Liliaceae is a monocot family.

Its gynoecium is generally:

Tricarpellary

Syncarpous

Ovary superior

Usually trilocular

Placentation axile

The floral formula contains G(3).

PYQ 13

Exam: NEET/AIPMT chapterwise PYQ
Topic: Androecium comparison

Question

Which combination correctly matches the family with its characteristic stamens?

Fabaceae — epiphyllous
Solanaceae — diadelphous
Liliaceae — epiphyllous
Fabaceae — monadelphous

Answer:

3. Liliaceae — epiphyllous

Explanation

The characteristic stamen conditions are:

Family	Stamens
Fabaceae	Diadelphous
Solanaceae	Epipetalous
Liliaceae	Epiphyllous

Therefore, Liliaceae — epiphyllous is correct. NCERT describes the Liliaceae androecium as six stamens arranged in two whorls.

PYQ 14

Exam: NEET/AIPMT chapterwise PYQ
Topic: Floral formula

Question

The floral formula ⊕ ⚥ K(5) C(5) A5 G(2) represents:

Fabaceae
Solanaceae
Liliaceae
Poaceae

Answer:

2. Solanaceae

Explanation

The formula indicates:

Actinomorphic flower

Bisexual

Five united sepals

Five united petals

Five stamens

Bicarpellary syncarpous gynoecium

These are characteristic of Solanaceae. SATHEE’s NCERT Exemplar also identifies this formula as Solanaceae.

PYQ 15

Exam: NEET/AIPMT

Topic: Floral formula

Question

The floral formula containing K(5), C1+2+2, A(9)+1 and G1 represents:

Solanaceae
Fabaceae
Liliaceae
Asteraceae

Answer:

2. Fabaceae

Explanation

The formula represents:

Five united sepals

Papilionaceous corolla

10 stamens arranged 9 + 1

Monocarpellary gynoecium

Therefore, it represents Fabaceae. NCERT Exemplar specifically identifies this floral formula with Fabaceae.

QUICK PYQ REVISION TABLE

Feature	Fabaceae	Solanaceae	Liliaceae
Symmetry	Zygomorphic	Actinomorphic	Actinomorphic
Corolla	Papilionaceous	Gamopetalous	Tepals
Aestivation	Vexillary	Valvate	Usually imbricate
Stamens	10, diadelphous	5, epipetalous	6, epiphyllous
Carpels	1	2	3
Ovary	Superior	Superior	Superior
Placentation	Marginal	Axile	Axile
Fruit	Legume	Berry/Capsule	Capsule/Berry
Example	Pea	Tomato/Potato	Lily/Onion

PYQ 16

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Fabaceae — Floral structure

Question

Which one of the following plants has a papilionaceous corolla?

Petunia
Allium
Pea
Datura

Answer:

3. Pea

Explanation

Pea belongs to Fabaceae.

Its corolla is papilionaceous and consists of:

One large standard/vexillum

Two lateral wings

Two anterior keel petals

This is one of the most characteristic features of Fabaceae.

PYQ 17

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Fabaceae — Keel

Question

The keel is a characteristic feature of the corolla of:

Fabaceae
Solanaceae
Liliaceae
Brassicaceae

Answer:

1. Fabaceae

Explanation

In the papilionaceous corolla of Fabaceae, the two anterior petals form the keel or carina.

The three components are:

Standard + Wings + Keel

Hence, Fabaceae is correct.

PYQ 18

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Family identification

Question

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?

Petunia — Fabaceae
Pea — Solanaceae
Allium — Liliaceae
Potato — Fabaceae

Answer:

3. Allium — Liliaceae

Explanation

Allium belongs to Liliaceae in the traditional NCERT family treatment.

Other pairs are incorrect:

Petunia → Solanaceae

Pea → Fabaceae

Potato → Solanaceae

Therefore, option 3 is correct.

PYQ 19

Exam: NEET 2014
Topic: Placentation

Question

Which type of placentation is characteristic of Fabaceae?

Axile
Marginal
Parietal
Free central

Answer:

2. Marginal

Explanation

Fabaceae generally possesses a monocarpellary superior ovary with marginal placentation.

A useful NEET comparison is:

Fabaceae → Marginal

Solanaceae → Axile

Liliaceae → Axile

PYQ 20

Exam: NEET 2014
Topic: Solanaceae — Placentation

Question

The placentation found in the ovary of Solanaceae is:

Marginal
Axile
Basal
Parietal

Answer:

2. Axile

Explanation

Solanaceae has a bicarpellary syncarpous ovary.

The ovary is generally bilocular and possesses axile placentation.

Therefore:

Solanaceae → Axile placentation

PYQ 21

Exam: NEET 2013
Topic: Liliaceae

Question

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Liliaceae?

Five epipetalous stamens
Six epiphyllous stamens
Ten diadelphous stamens
Four tetradynamous stamens

Answer:

2. Six epiphyllous stamens

Explanation

Liliaceae is a monocot family.

Its typical flower has:

Six tepals

Six stamens

Stamens generally epiphyllous

Three carpels

Superior ovary

Axile placentation

Hence, option 2 is correct.

PYQ 22

Exam: NEET 2013
Topic: Monocot family

Question

Which one of the following families represents a monocot family among the following?

Fabaceae
Solanaceae
Liliaceae
Brassicaceae

Answer:

3. Liliaceae

Explanation

Liliaceae is a monocot family.

Important monocot characteristics include:

Fibrous/adventitious roots

Parallel venation

Trimerous flowers

Six tepals

Six stamens

Fabaceae and Solanaceae are dicot families.

PYQ 23

Exam: NEET 2012
Topic: Fabaceae — Stamens

Question

The stamens of Fabaceae are generally:

Monadelphous
Diadelphous
Polyadelphous
Syngenesious

Answer:

2. Diadelphous

Explanation

Fabaceae generally possesses 10 stamens arranged as:

9 + 1

The nine stamens are united while one is free.

This condition is called diadelphous.

Remember:

Fabaceae → A(9)+1

PYQ 24

Exam: NEET 2012
Topic: Solanaceae — Stamens

Question

The stamens of Solanaceae are:

Epiphyllous
Epipetalous
Diadelphous
Polyadelphous

Answer:

2. Epipetalous

Explanation

In Solanaceae, the five stamens are attached to the petals.

Such stamens are called:

Epipetalous stamens

Therefore:

Solanaceae → 5 epipetalous stamens

PYQ 25

Exam: NEET 2012
Topic: Liliaceae — Perianth

Question

The perianth of a typical Liliaceae flower consists of:

Four tepals
Five tepals
Six tepals
Eight tepals

Answer:

3. Six tepals

Explanation

Liliaceae is generally trimerous.

Its perianth consists of two whorls:

3 + 3 = 6 tepals

The tepals are generally similar in appearance.

PYQ 26

Exam: AIPMT 2011
Topic: Fabaceae — Corolla

Question

The large posterior petal of a papilionaceous corolla is called:

Wing
Keel
Standard
Carina

Answer:

3. Standard

Explanation

The papilionaceous corolla consists of:

One large posterior petal → Standard/Vexillum

Two lateral petals → Wings

Two anterior petals → Keel/Carina

Thus, the large posterior petal is the standard.

PYQ 27

Exam: AIPMT 2010
Topic: Fabaceae — Aestivation

Question

In Fabaceae, the standard petal overlaps the wings and the wings overlap the keel. This type of aestivation is called:

Valvate
Twisted
Vexillary
Quincuncial

Answer:

3. Vexillary

Explanation

The papilionaceous corolla shows:

Vexillary or descending imbricate aestivation

The order of overlapping is:

Standard → Wings → Keel

This is a highly important NEET fact.

PYQ 28

Exam: AIPMT 2010
Topic: Solanaceae — Floral symmetry

Question

The flowers of Solanaceae are generally:

Zygomorphic
Actinomorphic
Asymmetric
Irregular

Answer:

2. Actinomorphic

Explanation

Solanaceae flowers are generally actinomorphic.

They are also:

Bisexual

Complete

Hypogynous

Pentamerous

This should be contrasted with Fabaceae, whose typical papilionaceous flower is zygomorphic.

PYQ 29

Exam: AIPMT 2009
Topic: Liliaceae — Floral symmetry

Question

The flowers of Liliaceae are generally:

Zygomorphic and pentamerous
Actinomorphic and trimerous
Asymmetric and tetramerous
Zygomorphic and trimerous

Answer:

2. Actinomorphic and trimerous

Explanation

Liliaceae flowers are generally:

Actinomorphic

Bisexual

Trimerous

Hypogynous

Their floral parts commonly occur in multiples of three.

PYQ 30

Exam: AIPMT 2009
Topic: Fabaceae — Fruit

Question

The characteristic fruit of Fabaceae is:

Berry
Capsule
Legume
Caryopsis

Answer:

3. Legume

Explanation

The characteristic fruit of Fabaceae is a legume or pod.

Examples include the pods of:

Pea

Gram

Bean

Therefore, option 3 is correct.

PYQ 31

Exam: AIPMT 2008
Topic: Solanaceae — Fruit

Question

The fruit in Solanaceae may commonly be:

Legume or caryopsis
Berry or capsule
Siliqua or silicula
Drupe only

Answer:

2. Berry or capsule

Explanation

Solanaceae produces different types of fruits.

Examples:

Tomato → Berry

Brinjal → Berry

Potato → Berry

Datura → Capsule

Therefore, berry or capsule is correct.

PYQ 32

Exam: AIPMT 2008
Topic: Liliaceae — Fruit

Question

The characteristic fruit of many members of Liliaceae is:

Legume
Capsule
Siliqua
Caryopsis

Answer:

2. Capsule

Explanation

A capsule is a common fruit type in Liliaceae.

Some members may produce berries, but capsule is the standard family-level characteristic emphasized in NCERT.

PYQ 33

Exam: AIPMT 2007
Topic: Family identification

Question

Which one of the following combinations is correctly matched?

Fabaceae — marginal placentation
Solanaceae — marginal placentation
Liliaceae — marginal placentation
Solanaceae — free-central placentation

Answer:

1. Fabaceae — marginal placentation

Explanation

The correct family-wise relationship is:

Fabaceae → Marginal

Solanaceae → Axile

Liliaceae → Axile

This is one of the most frequently tested comparison points.

PYQ 34

Exam: AIPMT 2006
Topic: Liliaceae — Stamens

Question

The stamens of Liliaceae are generally:

Epipetalous
Epiphyllous
Diadelphous
Monadelphous

Answer:

2. Epiphyllous

Explanation

In Liliaceae, the stamens are attached to the tepals/perianth members.

Such stamens are called:

Epiphyllous

Do not confuse this with Solanaceae:

Solanaceae → Epipetalous

PYQ 35

Exam: AIPMT 2005
Topic: Family comparison

Question

Which family is correctly associated with diadelphous stamens and marginal placentation?

Solanaceae
Liliaceae
Fabaceae
Asteraceae

Answer:

3. Fabaceae

Explanation

Fabaceae possesses both:

Diadelphous stamens

Marginal placentation

This combination is highly characteristic of the family.

PYQ 36

Exam: AIPMT 2004
Topic: Family identification

Question

A plant possesses a papilionaceous corolla, diadelphous stamens and marginal placentation. It most probably belongs to:

Fabaceae
Solanaceae
Liliaceae
Brassicaceae

Answer:

1. Fabaceae

Explanation

The combination is diagnostic:

Papilionaceous corolla + diadelphous stamens + marginal placentation → Fabaceae

PYQ 37

Exam: AIPMT 2003
Topic: Solanaceae

Question

Which combination is characteristic of Solanaceae?

Papilionaceous corolla + diadelphous stamens
Five epipetalous stamens + axile placentation
Six epiphyllous stamens + marginal placentation
Four tetradynamous stamens + parietal placentation

Answer:

2. Five epipetalous stamens + axile placentation

Explanation

Solanaceae has:

Five stamens

Epipetalous attachment

Bicarpellary syncarpous gynoecium

Superior ovary

Axile placentation

Therefore, option 2 is correct.

PYQ 38

Exam: AIPMT 2002
Topic: Liliaceae

Question

Which combination correctly represents Liliaceae?

Dicot, pentamerous, marginal placentation
Monocot, trimerous, axile placentation
Dicot, tetramerous, parietal placentation
Monocot, pentamerous, marginal placentation

Answer:

2. Monocot, trimerous, axile placentation

Explanation

Liliaceae is a monocot family.

Its typical flowers are trimerous, and the tricarpellary syncarpous ovary generally has axile placentation.

PYQ 39

Exam: AIPMT 2001
Topic: Family identification from floral characters

Question

A flower has one standard, two wings and two keel petals. The plant belongs to:

Solanaceae
Liliaceae
Fabaceae
Poaceae

Answer:

3. Fabaceae

Explanation

The three-part papilionaceous corolla is unique and highly characteristic:

1 Standard + 2 Wings + 2 Keel

Hence, the family is Fabaceae.

PYQ 40

Exam: AIPMT 2000
Topic: Comparative family characters

Question

Which of the following is correctly matched?

Fabaceae — 5 epipetalous stamens
Solanaceae — 10 diadelphous stamens
Liliaceae — 6 epiphyllous stamens
Fabaceae — 6 epiphyllous stamens

Answer:

3. Liliaceae — 6 epiphyllous stamens

Explanation

The correct family-wise stamen characteristics are:

Fabaceae → 10, diadelphous

Solanaceae → 5, epipetalous

Liliaceae → 6, epiphyllous

Therefore, option 3 is correct.

VERY IMPORTANT — FINAL FAMILY MEMORY TABLE

NEET Trigger	Immediate Answer
Standard + wings + keel	Fabaceae
Vexillary aestivation	Fabaceae
Diadelphous 9+1	Fabaceae
Marginal placentation	Fabaceae
Legume	Fabaceae
Five epipetalous stamens	Solanaceae
Actinomorphic + pentamerous	Solanaceae
Axile placentation + bicarpellary ovary	Solanaceae
Berry/capsule	Solanaceae
Six tepals	Liliaceae
Six epiphyllous stamens	Liliaceae
Trimerous flower	Liliaceae
Monocot family	Liliaceae
Axile placentation + tricarpellary ovary	Liliaceae

Q41

Exam: NEET 2023
Topic: Fabaceae vs Solanaceae vs Liliaceae

Family Fabaceae differs from Solanaceae and Liliaceae with respect to its stamens. Which characteristic is specific to Fabaceae?

A) Polyadelphous and epipetalous stamens
B) Monoadelphous and monothecous anthers
C) Epiphyllous and dithecous anthers
D) Diadelphous and dithecous anthers

Answer: D) Diadelphous and dithecous anthers

Explanation:
Fabaceae generally possesses 10 stamens arranged as 9+1, making them diadelphous. The anthers are dithecous. Solanaceae has epipetalous stamens, whereas Liliaceae has epiphyllous stamens.

Q42

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Solanaceae — Floral Formula

The floral formula shown in the question represents which plant?

A) Allium
B) Sesbania
C) Petunia
D) Brassica

Answer: C) Petunia

Explanation:
Petunia belongs to Solanaceae. The family is characterized by a gamosepalous calyx, gamopetalous corolla, five epipetalous stamens and a bicarpellary syncarpous superior ovary with axile placentation.

Q43

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Fabaceae — Keel

Keel is a characteristic feature of the flower of:

A) Tulip
B) Indigofera
C) Aloe
D) Tomato

Answer: B) Indigofera

Explanation:
Indigofera belongs to Fabaceae and possesses a papilionaceous corolla. The two anterior petals form the keel or carina. The other major components are the standard and two wings.

Q44

Exam: AIPMT 2012 Prelims
Topic: Fabaceae — Aestivation

Vexillary aestivation is characteristic of:

A) Fabaceae
B) Solanaceae
C) Liliaceae
D) Brassicaceae

Answer: A) Fabaceae

Explanation:
Fabaceae characteristically shows vexillary or descending imbricate aestivation. The large standard petal overlaps the two wings, while the wings overlap the keel petals.

Q45

Exam: NEET 2016 Phase 1
Topic: Fabaceae — Papilionaceous Corolla

The standard petal of a papilionaceous corolla is also known as:

A) Carina
B) Vexillum
C) Wing
D) Corona

Answer: B) Vexillum

Explanation:
The large posterior petal of the papilionaceous corolla is called the standard or vexillum. Two lateral petals are called wings and the two anterior petals form the keel.

Q46

Exam: NEET 2022 Phase 1
Topic: Zygomorphic Flowers

Which of the following combinations contains plants having zygomorphic flowers?

A) Mustard and Datura
B) Gulmohar and Cassia
C) Datura and Chilli
D) Mustard and Chilli

Answer: B) Gulmohar and Cassia

Explanation:
Gulmohar and Cassia possess zygomorphic flowers. A zygomorphic flower can be divided into two equal halves through only one particular vertical plane.

Q47

Exam: NEET 2006
Topic: Solanaceae — Diagnostic Characters

A family having pentamerous, actinomorphic flowers, a bicarpellary syncarpous ovary and axile placentation is:

A) Fabaceae
B) Solanaceae
C) Liliaceae
D) Poaceae

Answer: B) Solanaceae

Explanation:
Solanaceae generally has five-membered actinomorphic flowers, five united petals and stamens, and a bicarpellary syncarpous superior ovary with axile placentation.

Q48

Exam: NEET 2019
Topic: Fabaceae — Zygomorphic Flower

Which one of the following plants has a zygomorphic flower?

A) Pea
B) Datura
C) Chilli
D) Mustard

Answer: A) Pea

Explanation:
Pea (Pisum sativum) belongs to Fabaceae and has a typical zygomorphic papilionaceous flower. Datura, chilli and mustard have actinomorphic flowers.

Q49

Exam: AIPMT 2012 Prelims
Topic: Fabaceae — Marginal Placentation

Marginal placentation is characteristically associated with:

A) Fabaceae
B) Solanaceae
C) Liliaceae
D) Asteraceae

Answer: A) Fabaceae

Explanation:
Fabaceae generally has a monocarpellary, unilocular ovary with marginal placentation. The ovules are arranged along the fused margin of the single carpel.

Q50

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Plant Families — Identification

Sesbania and Petunia belong respectively to:

A) Solanaceae and Fabaceae
B) Fabaceae and Solanaceae
C) Liliaceae and Fabaceae
D) Fabaceae and Liliaceae

Answer: B) Fabaceae and Solanaceae

Explanation:
Sesbania is a member of Fabaceae, whereas Petunia belongs to Solanaceae. Family identification is based on characteristic vegetative and floral features.

QUICK REVISION — Q41–Q50

Question	Main Concept	Correct Answer
Q41	Fabaceae stamens	Diadelphous, dithecous
Q42	Solanaceae	Petunia
Q43	Fabaceae	Indigofera
Q44	Fabaceae aestivation	Vexillary
Q45	Papilionaceous corolla	Vexillum
Q46	Zygomorphic flowers	Gulmohar + Cassia
Q47	Solanaceae characters	Solanaceae
Q48	Zygomorphic flower	Pea
Q49	Fabaceae placentation	Marginal
Q50	Family identification	Sesbania–Fabaceae, Petunia–Solanaceae

Q51

Exam: NEET 2023
Topic: Fabaceae — Stamens

Family Fabaceae differs from Solanaceae and Liliaceae with respect to the stamens. Which characteristic is specific to Fabaceae?

A) Polyadelphous and epipetalous stamens
B) Monoadelphous and monothecous anthers
C) Epiphyllous and dithecous anthers
D) Diadelphous and dithecous anthers

Answer: D) Diadelphous and dithecous anthers

Explanation:
Fabaceae generally has 10 stamens arranged as 9+1, making them diadelphous. The anthers are dithecous. Solanaceae has epipetalous stamens, whereas Liliaceae has epiphyllous stamens.

Q52

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Fabaceae — Papilionaceous Corolla

Keel is a characteristic feature of the flower of:

A) Tulip
B) Indigofera
C) Aloe
D) Tomato

Answer: B) Indigofera

Explanation:
Indigofera belongs to Fabaceae. Its papilionaceous corolla consists of one standard, two wings and two anterior petals forming the keel.

Q53

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Solanaceae — Floral Formula

The floral formula representing which of the following plants belongs to Solanaceae?

A) Allium
B) Sesbania
C) Petunia
D) Brassica

Answer: C) Petunia

Explanation:
Petunia is a member of Solanaceae. Important family characters include a five-membered gamosepalous calyx, gamopetalous corolla, five epipetalous stamens and a bicarpellary syncarpous superior ovary.

Q54

Exam: NEET 2016 Phase 1
Topic: Fabaceae — Standard Petal

The standard petal of a papilionaceous corolla is also called:

A) Carina
B) Vexillum
C) Wing
D) Corona

Answer: B) Vexillum

Explanation:
The large posterior petal is called the standard or vexillum. The two lateral petals are wings and the two anterior petals form the keel.

Q55

Exam: AIPMT 2012 Prelims
Topic: Fabaceae — Aestivation

Vexillary aestivation is characteristic of:

A) Fabaceae
B) Solanaceae
C) Liliaceae
D) Brassicaceae

Answer: A) Fabaceae

Explanation:
Vexillary aestivation is characteristic of the papilionaceous corolla of Fabaceae. The standard overlaps the wings, and the wings overlap the keel.

Q56

Exam: NEET 2019
Topic: Fabaceae — Floral Symmetry

Which one of the following plants possesses a zygomorphic flower?

A) Pea
B) Datura
C) Chilli
D) Mustard

Answer: A) Pea

Explanation:
Pea (Pisum sativum) belongs to Fabaceae and has a zygomorphic papilionaceous flower. Datura, chilli and mustard have actinomorphic flowers.

Q57

Exam: NEET 2022 Phase 1
Topic: Zygomorphic Flowers

Which pair of plants has zygomorphic flowers?

A) Mustard and Datura
B) Gulmohar and Cassia
C) Datura and Chilli
D) Mustard and Chilli

Answer: B) Gulmohar and Cassia

Explanation:
Gulmohar and Cassia have zygomorphic flowers. Zygomorphic flowers can be divided into two equal halves through only one particular vertical plane.

Q58

Exam: AIPMT 2012 Prelims
Topic: Fabaceae — Placentation

Which type of placentation is characteristic of Fabaceae?

A) Axile
B) Marginal
C) Parietal
D) Free central

Answer: B) Marginal

Explanation:
Fabaceae generally possesses a monocarpellary, unilocular ovary with marginal placentation. The ovules occur along the ventral margin of the carpel.

Q59

Exam: NEET 2023
Topic: Plant Families — Comparison

Which combination correctly distinguishes Fabaceae from Solanaceae and Liliaceae?

A) Fabaceae — epipetalous stamens
B) Fabaceae — epiphyllous stamens
C) Fabaceae — diadelphous stamens
D) Fabaceae — six stamens

Answer: C) Fabaceae — diadelphous stamens

Explanation:
Fabaceae generally has 10 stamens arranged in two bundles, 9+1, hence they are diadelphous. Solanaceae has five epipetalous stamens, while Liliaceae generally has six epiphyllous stamens.

Q60

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Family Identification

Sesbania and Petunia belong respectively to:

A) Solanaceae and Fabaceae
B) Fabaceae and Solanaceae
C) Liliaceae and Fabaceae
D) Fabaceae and Liliaceae

Answer: B) Fabaceae and Solanaceae

Explanation:
Sesbania belongs to Fabaceae, while Petunia belongs to Solanaceae. This type of family-identification question is important for NEET because the examples of each family are frequently tested.

RAPID REVISION — Q51–Q60

Q. No.	Key Concept	Answer
Q51	Fabaceae stamens	Diadelphous, dithecous
Q52	Keel	Indigofera
Q53	Solanaceae	Petunia
Q54	Standard petal	Vexillum
Q55	Vexillary aestivation	Fabaceae
Q56	Zygomorphic flower	Pea
Q57	Zygomorphic pair	Gulmohar + Cassia
Q58	Fabaceae placentation	Marginal
Q59	Fabaceae distinction	Diadelphous stamens
Q60	Family identification	Sesbania–Fabaceae; Petunia–Solanaceae

Q61

Exam: NEET 2023
Topic: Fabaceae — Staminal Condition

The stamens of Fabaceae are characteristically:

A) Monadelphous
B) Diadelphous
C) Polyadelphous
D) Epiphyllous

Answer: B) Diadelphous

Explanation:
In Fabaceae, the ten stamens are commonly arranged as 9+1, forming two bundles. This condition is called diadelphous. This is an important distinguishing feature of Fabaceae.

Q62

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Fabaceae — Keel

Which one of the following is associated with the keel of a papilionaceous flower?

A) Two anterior petals
B) One posterior petal
C) Two lateral petals
D) Five fused petals

Answer: A) Two anterior petals

Explanation:
In the typical papilionaceous corolla of Fabaceae, the two anterior petals form the keel or carina. The large posterior petal is the standard or vexillum, while the two lateral petals are the wings.

Q63

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Solanaceae — Example

Which one of the following belongs to the family Solanaceae?

A) Petunia
B) Pisum
C) Allium
D) Sesbania

Answer: A) Petunia

Explanation:
Petunia is a well-known member of Solanaceae. Pisum and Sesbania belong to Fabaceae, while Allium belongs to Liliaceae.

Q64

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Liliaceae — Example

Which one of the following belongs to Liliaceae?

A) Petunia
B) Allium
C) Pisum
D) Solanum

Answer: B) Allium

Explanation:
Allium includes onion and garlic and belongs to Liliaceae. Liliaceae is a monocot family characterized by trimerous flowers, six tepals and six stamens.

Q65

Exam: NEET 2016 Phase 1
Topic: Papilionaceous Corolla

The large posterior petal of a papilionaceous corolla is called:

A) Keel
B) Wing
C) Standard
D) Carpel

Answer: C) Standard

Explanation:
The large posterior petal is the standard or vexillum. The two lateral petals are wings, and the two anterior petals constitute the keel.

Q66

Exam: NEET 2019
Topic: Fabaceae — Symmetry

The flower of pea is:

A) Actinomorphic
B) Zygomorphic
C) Asymmetric
D) Radially irregular

Answer: B) Zygomorphic

Explanation:
Pea (Pisum sativum) has a characteristic zygomorphic papilionaceous flower. It can be divided into two equal halves only through one particular vertical plane.

Q67

Exam: NEET 2022 Phase 1
Topic: Zygomorphic Flowers

Which pair represents plants with zygomorphic flowers?

A) Datura and chilli
B) Mustard and Datura
C) Gulmohar and Cassia
D) Chilli and mustard

Answer: C) Gulmohar and Cassia

Explanation:
Gulmohar and Cassia possess zygomorphic flowers. This floral symmetry is particularly important in identifying members of Fabaceae and related groups.

Q68

Exam: NEET 2023
Topic: Fabaceae — Anther

The anthers in the stamens of Fabaceae are generally:

A) Monothecous
B) Dithecous
C) Polythecous
D) Athecous

Answer: B) Dithecous

Explanation:
Fabaceae generally has dithecous anthers, meaning each anther consists of two thecae. Along with the diadelphous condition of the stamens, this feature helps characterize the family.

Q69

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Solanaceae — Family Identification

Petunia belongs to:

A) Fabaceae
B) Solanaceae
C) Liliaceae
D) Brassicaceae

Answer: B) Solanaceae

Explanation:
Petunia is a member of Solanaceae. Important Solanaceae examples include tomato, potato, brinjal, chilli, tobacco, Datura and Petunia.

Q70

Exam: NEET 2015
Topic: Fabaceae — Family Identification

Indigofera belongs to:

A) Liliaceae
B) Solanaceae
C) Fabaceae
D) Asteraceae

Answer: C) Fabaceae

Explanation:
Indigofera belongs to Fabaceae. Its flowers show the characteristic papilionaceous corolla with standard, wings and keel.

RAPID REVISION — Q61–Q70

Q. No.	Concept	Correct Answer
Q61	Fabaceae stamens	Diadelphous
Q62	Keel	Two anterior petals
Q63	Solanaceae example	Petunia
Q64	Liliaceae example	Allium
Q65	Posterior petal	Standard/Vexillum
Q66	Pea symmetry	Zygomorphic
Q67	Zygomorphic pair	Gulmohar + Cassia
Q68	Fabaceae anther	Dithecous
Q69	Petunia family	Solanaceae
Q70	Indigofera family	Fabaceae

Q71

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Plant Families — Aestivation and Stamens

Match List-I with List-II:

List-I	List-II
A. Vexillary aestivation	I. Brinjal
B. Epipetalous stamens	II. Peach
C. Epiphyllous stamens	III. Pea
D. Perigynous flower	IV. Lily

Choose the correct option:

A) A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
B) A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
C) A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV
D) A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III

Answer: A) A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

Explanation:

Vexillary aestivation → Pea → Fabaceae

Epipetalous stamens → Brinjal → Solanaceae

Epiphyllous stamens → Lily → Liliaceae

Perigynous flower → Peach

Thus, the correct matching is A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II.

Q72

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Fabaceae — Gynoecium

Which of the following examples show a monocarpellary, unilocular ovary with many ovules?

A. Sesbania
B. Brinjal
C. Indigofera
D. Tobacco
E. Asparagus

Choose the correct answer:

A) B and E only
B) C, D and E only
C) A, B and D only
D) A and C only

Answer: D) A and C only

Explanation:
Sesbania and Indigofera belong to Fabaceae. Their gynoecium is monocarpellary, with a unilocular ovary containing many ovules and marginal placentation. Brinjal and tobacco belong to Solanaceae, while Asparagus belongs to Liliaceae.

Q73

Exam: NEET 2023 Manipur
Topic: Fabaceae — Papilionaceous Corolla

In a pea flower, five petals are arranged in a specialized manner with one posterior, two lateral and two anterior. These are named respectively as:

A) Standard, wings and keel
B) Wings, standard and keel
C) Keel, wings and standard
D) Standard, keel and wings

Answer: A) Standard, wings and keel

Explanation:
The papilionaceous corolla of pea has:

One posterior large petal → Standard/Vexillum

Two lateral petals → Wings

Two anterior petals → Keel/Carina

This arrangement is characteristic of Fabaceae. The question is listed as a NEET 2023 Manipur PYQ in the chapterwise database.

Q74

Exam: NEET 2024
Topic: Placentation — Family Identification

Match List-I with List-II:

List-I	List-II
A. China rose	I. Free central
B. Mustard	II. Basal
C. Primrose	III. Axile
D. Marigold	IV. Parietal

Choose the correct option:

A) A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
B) A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
C) A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
D) A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I

Answer: A) A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

Explanation:
The correct associations are:

China rose → Parietal placentation

Mustard → Axile placentation

Primrose → Free-central placentation

Marigold → Basal placentation

This question tests the identification of placentation types through familiar flowering plants.

Q75

Exam: RE-NEET 2026
Topic: Solanaceae — Family Characters

Which of the following are characteristic features of the Solanaceae family?

(a) Flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic
(b) Calyx has five sepals and they are united
(c) Androecium has five stamens and they are epipetalous
(d) Ovary is inferior

Choose the correct answer:

A) (a), (b) and (c) only
B) (d) only
C) (a) and (b) only
D) (b), (c) and (d) only

Answer: A) (a), (b) and (c) only

Explanation:
Solanaceae generally possesses:

Bisexual, actinomorphic flowers

Five united sepals

Five epipetalous stamens

Superior ovary, not inferior

Therefore, statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct, while statement (d) is incorrect.

RAPID REVISION — Q71–Q75

Q. No.	Main Concept	Answer
Q71	Family characters	A
Q72	Fabaceae gynoecium	D
Q73	Papilionaceous corolla	A
Q74	Placentation	A
Q75	Solanaceae characters	A

HIGH-YIELD FAMILY CONNECTION

Fabaceae:
Vexillary aestivation → Standard + Wings + Keel → Diadelphous stamens → Monocarpellary ovary → Marginal placentation.

Solanaceae:
Actinomorphic → Gamosepalous calyx → Gamopetalous corolla → Epipetalous stamens → Bicarpellary syncarpous superior ovary → Axile placentation.

Liliaceae:
Trimerous → Six tepals → Six epiphyllous stamens → Tricarpellary syncarpous superior ovary → Axile placentation.

Q76

Exam: NEET 2024
Topic: Types of Stamens — Plant Families

Match List-I with List-II:

List-I — Type of Stamens	List-II — Example
A. Monoadelphous	I. Citrus
B. Diadelphous	II. Pea
C. Polyadelphous	III. Lily
D. Epiphyllous	IV. China rose

Choose the correct option:

A) A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
B) A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
C) A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
D) A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I

Answer: A) A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III

Explanation:

Monoadelphous → China rose

Diadelphous → Pea

Polyadelphous → Citrus

Epiphyllous → Lily

Thus, option A is correct.

Q77

Exam: NEET 2023 Manipur
Topic: Fabaceae — Papilionaceous Corolla

In a pea flower, the five petals are arranged as one posterior, two lateral and two anterior petals. They are respectively called:

A) Standard, wings and keel
B) Wings, standard and keel
C) Keel, wings and standard
D) Standard, keel and wings

Answer: A) Standard, wings and keel

Explanation:
A typical papilionaceous corolla consists of:

One posterior standard/vexillum

Two lateral wings

Two anterior keel/carinal petals

This arrangement is characteristic of Fabaceae.

Q78

Exam: NEET 2023 Manipur
Topic: Floral Symmetry and Plant Families

Match the type of flower with its example:

Type of Flower	Example
A. Zygomorphic	I. Mustard
B. Hypogynous	II. Plum
C. Perigynous	III. Cassia
D. Epigynous	IV. Cucumber

Choose the correct option:

A) A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
B) A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV
C) A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV
D) A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III

Answer: A) A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV

Explanation:
Cassia has a zygomorphic flower. Mustard has a hypogynous flower, plum has a perigynous flower, and cucumber has an epigynous flower. The question is useful for distinguishing floral characters associated with different plant groups.

Q79

Exam: NEET 2023
Topic: Solanaceae — Floral Characters

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of family Solanaceae?

A) Pentamerous actinomorphic flowers
B) Trimerous zygomorphic flowers
C) Tetramerous actinomorphic flowers
D) Pentamerous zygomorphic flowers

Answer: A) Pentamerous actinomorphic flowers

Explanation:
Solanaceae generally has pentamerous, actinomorphic, bisexual flowers. Its other important characters include a gamosepalous calyx, gamopetalous corolla, five epipetalous stamens and a bicarpellary syncarpous superior ovary.

Q80

Exam: NEET 2026
Topic: Solanaceae — Floral Formula

A given floral formula represents the family:

A) Fabaceae
B) Liliaceae
C) Solanaceae
D) Brassicaceae

Answer: C) Solanaceae

Explanation:
The floral formula of Solanaceae represents a bisexual, actinomorphic and pentamerous flower, with a gamosepalous calyx, gamopetalous corolla and five epipetalous stamens. The ovary is superior and bicarpellary syncarpous.

Q81

Exam: NEET 2022 Phase 2
Topic: Floral Diagram — Family Identification

A floral diagram showing parietal placentation represents which family?

A) Liliaceae
B) Fabaceae
C) Brassicaceae
D) Solanaceae

Answer: C) Brassicaceae

Explanation:
The floral diagram in this PYQ represents Brassicaceae, identified particularly by its parietal placentation. This question is from the broader Morphology of Flowering Plants chapter rather than being exclusively restricted to the three standard families.

Q82

Exam: AIPMT 2010 Mains
Topic: Fabaceae — Vexillary Aestivation

Consider the following statements:

In vexillary aestivation, the large posterior petal is called the standard.
The two lateral petals are called wings.
The two anterior petals are called the keel.
The stamens of pea are monadelphous.

Which statement is incorrect?

A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) 3 only
D) 4 only

Answer: D) 4 only

Explanation:
Statements 1, 2 and 3 correctly describe the papilionaceous corolla. The stamens of pea are diadelphous (9+1), not monadelphous. Therefore, statement 4 is incorrect.

Q83

Exam: AIPMT 2010 Prelims
Topic: Fabaceae — Keel

Keel is characteristic of the flowers of:

A) Bean
B) Mustard
C) Datura
D) Lily

Answer: A) Bean

Explanation:
Bean belongs to Fabaceae and has a papilionaceous corolla. The two anterior petals form the keel, which is a characteristic feature of the family.

Q84

Exam: AIPMT 2009
Topic: Axile Placentation

Which of the following is an example of axile placentation?

A) Pea
B) Tomato
C) Mustard
D) Marigold

Answer: B) Tomato

Explanation:
Tomato belongs to Solanaceae and has a syncarpous ovary with axile placentation. In axile placentation, the placenta occurs along the central axis of a multilocular ovary.

Q85

Exam: AIPMT 2008
Topic: Solanaceae — Fruit

The fruit of which plant is a berry?

A) Tomato
B) Mustard
C) Pea
D) Lily

Answer: A) Tomato

Explanation:
Tomato belongs to Solanaceae, and its botanical fruit is a berry. Pea produces a legume, mustard produces a siliqua, while members of Liliaceae commonly produce capsules or berries depending on the genus.

RAPID REVISION — Q76–Q85

Q. No.	Important Concept	Answer
Q76	Types of stamens	A
Q77	Papilionaceous corolla	Standard, wings, keel
Q78	Floral types	A
Q79	Solanaceae	Pentamerous actinomorphic
Q80	Solanaceae floral formula	Solanaceae
Q81	Parietal placentation	Brassicaceae
Q82	Pea stamens	Diadelphous
Q83	Keel	Bean
Q84	Axile placentation	Tomato
Q85	Berry	Tomato

FAMILY-BASED MEMORY TABLE

Family	Most Important NEET Identification Point
Fabaceae	Papilionaceous corolla, vexillary aestivation, diadelphous stamens, marginal placentation
Solanaceae	Pentamerous actinomorphic flower, epipetalous stamens, axile placentation, berry/capsule
Liliaceae	Trimerous flower, six tepals, six epiphyllous stamens, axile placentation

Q86

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Fabaceae — Gynoecium

Which of the following plants has a monocarpellary, unilocular ovary with many ovules?

A) Brinjal
B) Sesbania
C) Tobacco
D) Asparagus

Answer: B) Sesbania

Explanation:
Sesbania belongs to Fabaceae. The gynoecium is generally monocarpellary and the ovary is unilocular with marginal placentation. Brinjal and tobacco belong to Solanaceae, while Asparagus belongs to Liliaceae.

Q87

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Fabaceae — Gynoecium

Which pair of plants belongs to the family in which the gynoecium is generally monocarpellary?

A) Brinjal and tobacco
B) Sesbania and Indigofera
C) Lily and Asparagus
D) Tomato and Petunia

Answer: B) Sesbania and Indigofera

Explanation:
Sesbania and Indigofera are members of Fabaceae. The gynoecium in the family is generally monocarpellary, with a superior ovary and marginal placentation.

Q88

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Plant Families — Epipetalous and Epiphyllous Stamens

Which pair is correctly matched?

A) Brinjal — epiphyllous stamens
B) Lily — epipetalous stamens
C) Brinjal — epipetalous stamens
D) Pea — epiphyllous stamens

Answer: C) Brinjal — epipetalous stamens

Explanation:
Brinjal belongs to Solanaceae, in which the stamens are epipetalous, meaning they are attached to the petals. In Liliaceae, such as lily, stamens are generally epiphyllous, attached to the tepals. Pea has diadelphous stamens.

Q89

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Liliaceae — Stamens

Which one of the following represents the correct relationship?

A) Lily — epipetalous stamens
B) Lily — epiphyllous stamens
C) Pea — epiphyllous stamens
D) Brinjal — epiphyllous stamens

Answer: B) Lily — epiphyllous stamens

Explanation:
Liliaceae is characterized by six stamens, generally arranged in two whorls of three each. They are epiphyllous, meaning they are attached to the perianth/tepals.

Q90

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Fabaceae — Vexillary Aestivation

Vexillary aestivation is associated with which of the following plants?

A) Pea
B) Brinjal
C) Lily
D) Tobacco

Answer: A) Pea

Explanation:
Pea belongs to Fabaceae and possesses a characteristic papilionaceous corolla with vexillary aestivation. The standard overlaps the wings and the wings overlap the keel.

Q91

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Solanaceae — Epipetalous Stamens

Which of the following plants has epipetalous stamens?

A) Pea
B) Lily
C) Brinjal
D) Onion

Answer: C) Brinjal

Explanation:
Brinjal belongs to Solanaceae. The five stamens are epipetalous, meaning they are attached to the petals. Pea has diadelphous stamens, whereas Liliaceae members such as lily and onion generally have epiphyllous stamens.

Q92

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Liliaceae — Family Identification

Which of the following combinations is characteristic of Liliaceae?

A) Papilionaceous corolla and diadelphous stamens
B) Five epipetalous stamens and bicarpellary ovary
C) Six tepals and six epiphyllous stamens
D) Monocarpellary ovary and marginal placentation

Answer: C) Six tepals and six epiphyllous stamens

Explanation:
Liliaceae is a typical monocot family. Its flowers are generally trimerous, with six tepals and six stamens, the latter usually epiphyllous. The ovary is generally tricarpellary, syncarpous and superior.

Q93

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Solanaceae — Gynoecium

Which feature correctly describes the gynoecium of Solanaceae?

A) Monocarpellary and unilocular
B) Bicarpellary and syncarpous
C) Tricarpellary and apocarpous
D) Multicarpellary and unilocular

Answer: B) Bicarpellary and syncarpous

Explanation:
The gynoecium of Solanaceae is generally bicarpellary and syncarpous. The ovary is superior and usually bilocular, with axile placentation.

Q94

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Fabaceae — Gynoecium

Which combination correctly describes the gynoecium of Fabaceae?

A) Bicarpellary, syncarpous, axile
B) Tricarpellary, syncarpous, axile
C) Monocarpellary, superior, marginal
D) Monocarpellary, inferior, parietal

Answer: C) Monocarpellary, superior, marginal

Explanation:
Fabaceae generally has a monocarpellary, superior ovary with marginal placentation. This is an important feature for distinguishing Fabaceae from Solanaceae and Liliaceae.

Q95

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Comparison of Three Important Families

Which combination is correctly matched?

A) Fabaceae — axile placentation
B) Solanaceae — marginal placentation
C) Liliaceae — axile placentation
D) Fabaceae — epiphyllous stamens

Answer: C) Liliaceae — axile placentation

Explanation:
Liliaceae generally has a tricarpellary, syncarpous, superior ovary with axile placentation. Fabaceae generally has marginal placentation, while Solanaceae generally has axile placentation and epipetalous stamens.

RAPID REVISION — Q86–Q95

Q. No.	Key Point	Answer
Q86	Monocarpellary ovary	Sesbania
Q87	Fabaceae gynoecium	Sesbania + Indigofera
Q88	Epipetalous stamens	Brinjal
Q89	Epiphyllous stamens	Lily
Q90	Vexillary aestivation	Pea
Q91	Epipetalous stamens	Brinjal
Q92	Liliaceae	Six tepals + six epiphyllous stamens
Q93	Solanaceae gynoecium	Bicarpellary, syncarpous
Q94	Fabaceae gynoecium	Monocarpellary, superior, marginal
Q95	Liliaceae placentation	Axile

Q96

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Plant Families — Matching

Match the plant with its characteristic:

Plant	Characteristic
A. Pea	I. Epipetalous stamens
B. Brinjal	II. Vexillary aestivation
C. Lily	III. Epiphyllous stamens
D. Tomato	IV. Berry

Choose the correct option:

A) A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
B) A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C) A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
D) A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II

Answer: A) A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV

Explanation:
Pea shows vexillary aestivation, Brinjal has epipetalous stamens, Lily has epiphyllous stamens, and Tomato produces a berry.

Q97

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Fabaceae — Examples

Which of the following combinations contains only members of Fabaceae?

A) Pea, Sesbania, Indigofera
B) Pea, Petunia, Indigofera
C) Tomato, Sesbania, Pea
D) Lily, Onion, Pea

Answer: A) Pea, Sesbania, Indigofera

Explanation:
Pisum (pea), Sesbania and Indigofera are members of Fabaceae. Petunia and tomato belong to Solanaceae, while lily and onion belong to Liliaceae.

Q98

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Solanaceae — Examples

Which combination contains only members of Solanaceae?

A) Tomato, brinjal, Petunia
B) Tomato, pea, Petunia
C) Brinjal, onion, tobacco
D) Petunia, lily, tomato

Answer: A) Tomato, brinjal, Petunia

Explanation:
Tomato, brinjal and Petunia are all important members of Solanaceae. Pea belongs to Fabaceae, while onion and lily belong to Liliaceae.

Q99

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Liliaceae — Examples

Which combination contains only members of Liliaceae?

A) Pea, onion, lily
B) Onion, garlic, lily
C) Tomato, garlic, lily
D) Petunia, onion, pea

Answer: B) Onion, garlic, lily

Explanation:
Onion, garlic and lily are examples of Liliaceae. This family is a monocot family characterized by trimerous flowers, six tepals and six stamens.

Q100

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Family Identification

A flower has a papilionaceous corolla, vexillary aestivation and diadelphous stamens. It most likely belongs to:

A) Solanaceae
B) Liliaceae
C) Fabaceae
D) Asteraceae

Answer: C) Fabaceae

Explanation:
The combination of papilionaceous corolla + vexillary aestivation + diadelphous stamens is highly characteristic of Fabaceae.

Q101

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Family Identification

A flower possesses five epipetalous stamens and a bicarpellary syncarpous superior ovary with axile placentation. The plant most likely belongs to:

A) Fabaceae
B) Solanaceae
C) Liliaceae
D) Poaceae

Answer: B) Solanaceae

Explanation:
These are characteristic features of Solanaceae. The stamens are five and epipetalous, while the gynoecium is generally bicarpellary, syncarpous and superior with axile placentation.

Q102

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Family Identification

A flower is trimerous and has six tepals and six epiphyllous stamens. It belongs most probably to:

A) Fabaceae
B) Solanaceae
C) Liliaceae
D) Brassicaceae

Answer: C) Liliaceae

Explanation:
Trimerous flowers with six tepals and six epiphyllous stamens are characteristic of Liliaceae. It is an important monocot family.

Q103

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Fabaceae — Floral Characters

Which combination is characteristic of a typical Fabaceae flower?

A) Actinomorphic, gamopetalous, five epipetalous stamens
B) Zygomorphic, papilionaceous, diadelphous stamens
C) Trimerous, six tepals, six epiphyllous stamens
D) Epigynous, inferior ovary, five stamens

Answer: B) Zygomorphic, papilionaceous, diadelphous stamens

Explanation:
A typical Fabaceae flower is zygomorphic and has a papilionaceous corolla with vexillary aestivation. Its ten stamens are commonly diadelphous, arranged as 9+1.

Q104

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Solanaceae — Floral Characters

Which combination is characteristic of Solanaceae?

A) Zygomorphic flower, papilionaceous corolla
B) Trimerous flower, six epiphyllous stamens
C) Actinomorphic flower, gamopetalous corolla and five epipetalous stamens
D) Monocarpellary ovary and marginal placentation

Answer: C) Actinomorphic flower, gamopetalous corolla and five epipetalous stamens

Explanation:
Solanaceae generally has actinomorphic, bisexual, pentamerous flowers. The corolla is gamopetalous and the five stamens are epipetalous.

Q105

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)
Topic: Liliaceae — Floral Characters

Which combination correctly describes Liliaceae?

A) Papilionaceous corolla and 10 stamens
B) Five united petals and five epipetalous stamens
C) Six tepals and six epiphyllous stamens
D) Monocarpellary ovary with marginal placentation

Answer: C) Six tepals and six epiphyllous stamens

Explanation:
Liliaceae is a monocot family. Its flowers are usually trimerous and possess six tepals and six stamens, generally epiphyllous. The ovary is typically tricarpellary, syncarpous and superior with axile placentation.

RAPID REVISION — Q96–Q105

Q. No.	Key Concept	Answer
Q96	Family-character matching	A
Q97	Fabaceae examples	Pea, Sesbania, Indigofera
Q98	Solanaceae examples	Tomato, Brinjal, Petunia
Q99	Liliaceae examples	Onion, Garlic, Lily
Q100	Fabaceae identification	C
Q101	Solanaceae identification	B
Q102	Liliaceae identification	C
Q103	Fabaceae characters	B
Q104	Solanaceae characters	C
Q105	Liliaceae characters	C

FINAL FAMILY IDENTIFICATION RULE

FABACEAE → Papilionaceous → Vexillary → Diadelphous → Marginal → Legume

SOLANACEAE → Actinomorphic → Gamopetalous → Epipetalous → Axile → Berry/Capsule

LILIACEAE → Trimerous → Six Tepals → Epiphyllous → Axile → Capsule/Berry

Q106

Exam: AIPMT 2012 Mains
Topic: Plant Family Identification

Which one of the following organisms is correctly matched with its three characteristics?

A) Pea: C₃ pathway, endospermic seed, vexillary aestivation
B) Tomato: Twisted aestivation, axile placentation, berry
C) Onion: Bulb, imbricate aestivation, axile placentation
D) Maize: C₃ pathway, closed vascular bundles, scutellum

Answer: B) Tomato: Twisted aestivation, axile placentation, berry

Explanation:
Tomato belongs to Solanaceae. It has a berry fruit and axile placentation. The other options contain incorrect combinations. In particular, onion belongs to Liliaceae and maize follows the C₄ pathway, not C₃.

Q107

Exam: NEET 2016 Phase 2
Topic: Staminal Characters

How many plants among Indigofera, Sesbania, Salvia, Allium, Aloe, mustard, groundnut, radish, gram and turnip have stamens with different lengths in their flowers?

A) Three
B) Four
C) Five
D) Six

Answer: B) Four

Explanation:
The four plants having stamens of different lengths are Salvia, mustard, radish and turnip. Mustard, radish and turnip have tetradynamous stamens, while Salvia has didynamous stamens. The Fabaceae members in the list, such as Indigofera, Sesbania, groundnut and gram, do not provide this condition.

Q108

Exam: NEET 2013 (Karnataka)
Topic: Aestivation — Family Characters

Among the flowers of Calotropis, tulip, Sesbania, Asparagus, Colchicum, sweet pea, Petunia, Indigofera, mustard, soybean, tobacco and groundnut, how many plants have corolla with valvate aestivation?

A) Six
B) Seven
C) Eight
D) Five

Answer: B) Seven

Explanation:
The plants listed as having valvate aestivation are:

Calotropis
Tulip
Asparagus
Colchicum
Petunia
Mustard
Tobacco

Therefore, the total is seven.

The Fabaceae members in the list—Sesbania, sweet pea, Indigofera, soybean and groundnut—show the characteristic vexillary aestivation, not valvate aestivation.

Q109

Exam: AIPMT 2015
Topic: Ovary Position — Important Family Comparison

Among China rose, mustard, brinjal, potato, guava, cucumber, onion and tulip, how many plants have a superior ovary?

A) Three
B) Four
C) Five
D) Six

Answer: D) Six

Explanation:
The plants with superior ovaries are:

China rose

Mustard

Brinjal

Potato

Onion

Tulip

Thus, the total is six.

Guava and cucumber have inferior ovaries. Brinjal and potato belong to Solanaceae, while onion and tulip belong to Liliaceae.

Q110

Exam: AIPMT 2011 Prelims
Topic: Solanaceae — Floral Formula

The correct floral formula of chilli is:

A) Floral formula representing Fabaceae
B) Floral formula representing Liliaceae
C) Floral formula representing Solanaceae
D) Floral formula representing Brassicaceae

Answer: C) Floral formula representing Solanaceae

Explanation:
Chilli (Capsicum) belongs to Solanaceae. Its flower is generally bisexual, actinomorphic and pentamerous, with a gamosepalous calyx, gamopetalous corolla, five epipetalous stamens and a bicarpellary syncarpous superior ovary with axile placentation.

RAPID REVISION — Q106–Q110

Q. No.	Concept	Correct Answer
Q106	Plant-family characteristics	Tomato
Q107	Stamens of different lengths	Four
Q108	Valvate aestivation	Seven
Q109	Superior ovary	Six
Q110	Chilli floral formula	Solanaceae

IMPORTANT FAMILY POINTS FROM THESE PYQs

Fabaceae:
Vexillary aestivation → pea, Sesbania, Indigofera, soybean, groundnut → papilionaceous corolla → diadelphous stamens.

Solanaceae:
Tomato, brinjal, potato, chilli and Petunia → generally actinomorphic, pentamerous flowers → five epipetalous stamens → superior ovary → axile placentation.

Liliaceae:
Onion, tulip, Asparagus and related members → monocot family → trimerous flowers → six tepals → six epiphyllous stamens → superior ovary.

Q111. AIPMT 2012 Mains

How many plants in the following list have marginal placentation?

Mustard, Gram, Tulip, Asparagus, Arhar, Sun hemp, Chilli, Colchicum, Onion, Moong, Pea, Tobacco, Lupin

A. Four
B. Five
C. Six
D. Three

Answer: C. Six

Explanation:
The plants showing marginal placentation in the given list are:

Gram

Arhar

Sun hemp

Moong

Pea

Lupin

All these belong to Fabaceae and possess a monocarpellary ovary with marginal placentation.

Therefore, the correct number is six.

Q112. NEET 2013 (Karnataka)

Inflorescence is racemose in:

A. Brinjal
B. Tulip
C. Aloe
D. Soybean

Answer: D. Soybean

Explanation:
Soybean (Glycine max) belongs to the family Fabaceae. Its inflorescence is generally racemose.

In a racemose inflorescence, the main axis continues to grow and flowers are generally arranged in acropetal succession, with older flowers towards the base and younger flowers towards the apex.

Therefore, Soybean is the correct answer.

Q113. AIPMT 2014

When the margins of sepals or petals overlap one another without any particular direction, the condition is termed:

A. Vexillary
B. Imbricate
C. Twisted
D. Valvate

Answer: B. Imbricate

Explanation:
In imbricate aestivation, the margins of sepals or petals overlap one another, but there is no particular direction or fixed pattern of overlapping.

Examples include Cassia and Gulmohur.

Important distinction:

Valvate → margins touch but do not overlap.

Twisted → one margin overlaps the next and the pattern continues regularly.

Vexillary → special descending imbricate arrangement seen in Fabaceae.

Imbricate → overlapping occurs without a particular direction.

Q114. AIPMT 2001

Bicarpellary gynoecium and an oblique ovary occur in:

A. Mustard
B. Banana
C. Pisum
D. Brinjal

Answer: D. Brinjal

Explanation:
Brinjal (Solanum melongena) belongs to the family Solanaceae.

Its gynoecium is:

Bicarpellary

Syncarpous

Ovary superior

Usually bilocular

Axile placentation

The ovary is characteristically obliquely placed.

Therefore, the correct answer is Brinjal.

Q115. AIPMT 2006

Pentamerous actinomorphic flowers, a bicarpellary ovary with oblique septa, and capsule or berry as the fruit are characteristic features of:

A. Liliaceae
B. Asteraceae
C. Brassicaceae
D. Solanaceae

Answer: D. Solanaceae

Explanation:
These are characteristic features of the Solanaceae family.

Important characters include:

Flowers generally pentamerous

Actinomorphic

Bisexual

Calyx 5, gamosepalous

Corolla 5, gamopetalous

Stamens 5, epipetalous

Gynoecium bicarpellary and syncarpous

Ovary superior

Axile placentation

Fruit generally berry or capsule

Examples include tomato, brinjal, chilli, potato, Petunia and Datura.

Therefore, the correct answer is Solanaceae.

Quick Revision from Q111–Q115

Family/Concept	Key Point
Fabaceae	Marginal placentation
Fabaceae	Soybean has racemose inflorescence
Fabaceae	Vexillary is a special type of imbricate aestivation
Solanaceae	Brinjal has bicarpellary syncarpous gynoecium
Solanaceae	Oblique ovary and axile placentation
Solanaceae	Fruit generally berry or capsule
Aestivation	Imbricate = overlapping without a fixed direction

Q116. RE-NEET 2026

Which of the following are characteristic features of the Solanaceae family?

(a) Flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic
(b) Calyx has five sepals and they are united
(c) Androecium has five stamens and is epipetalous
(d) Ovary is inferior

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

A. (a), (b) and (c) only
B. (d) only
C. (a) and (b) only
D. (b), (c) and (d) only

Answer: A. (a), (b) and (c) only

Explanation:
Solanaceae generally has:

Bisexual, actinomorphic flowers

Five united sepals

Five epipetalous stamens

A superior, not inferior, ovary

Therefore, statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct.

Q117. NEET 2025

Which of the following is an example of a zygomorphic flower?

A. Pea
B. Chilli
C. Petunia
D. Datura

Answer: A. Pea

Explanation:
A zygomorphic flower can be divided into two equal halves only through one particular vertical plane.

Pea (Pisum sativum) has a zygomorphic, papilionaceous flower.

In contrast, chilli, Petunia and Datura have actinomorphic flowers.

Thus, the correct answer is Pea.

Q118. NEET 2025

Given below are two statements:

Statement I: In a floral formula, the symbol for actinomorphic nature represents zygomorphic nature, and the symbol indicating ovary position represents an inferior ovary.

Statement II: In a floral formula, the symbol for actinomorphic nature represents radial symmetry and the symbol indicating a superior ovary represents a superior ovary.

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer.

A. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
B. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
C. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
D. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect

Answer: B. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Explanation:
In standard floral formula notation:

⊕ represents an actinomorphic/radially symmetrical flower.

% represents a zygomorphic/bilaterally symmetrical flower.

The position of the gynoecium symbol indicates whether the ovary is superior or inferior.

Therefore, the first statement reverses the meanings of the symbols and is incorrect, whereas the second statement is correct.

Q119. NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)

Which of the following examples show a monocarpellary, unilocular ovary with many ovules?

A. Sesbania
B. Brinjal
C. Indigofera
D. Tobacco
E. Asparagus

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

A. B and E only
B. C, D and E only
C. A, B and D only
D. A and C only

Answer: D. A and C only

Explanation:

Sesbania → monocarpellary, unilocular ovary with many ovules.

Indigofera → monocarpellary, unilocular ovary with many ovules.

Brinjal → bicarpellary and syncarpous.

Tobacco → bicarpellary and syncarpous.

Asparagus → tricarpellary and syncarpous.

Therefore, the correct combination is A and C only.

Q120. NEET 2026

Match List-I with List-II:

List-I: Placentation	List-II: Example
A. Marginal	I. Mustard
B. Axile	II. Pea
C. Parietal	III. Marigold
D. Basal	IV. Lemon

Choose the correct answer:

A. A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
B. A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV
C. A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
D. A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III

Answer: D. A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III

Explanation:

The correct associations are:

Marginal → Pea

Axile → Lemon

Parietal → Mustard

Basal → Marigold

Therefore:

A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III

Hence, Option D is correct.

QUICK REVISION — Q116–Q120

Question	Key Concept
Q116	Solanaceae: actinomorphic, epipetalous, superior ovary
Q117	Pea: zygomorphic flower
Q118	Floral formula symbols for symmetry and ovary position
Q119	Sesbania + Indigofera: monocarpellary, unilocular
Q120	Placentation: Pea–marginal, Lemon–axile, Mustard–parietal, Marigold–basal

Q121. AIPMT 2014

An example of an edible underground stem is:

A. Carrot
B. Groundnut
C. Sweet potato
D. Potato

Answer: D. Potato

Explanation:
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) belongs to the family Solanaceae. The potato tuber is a modified underground stem.

Important distinguishing features:

Potato → modified stem

Carrot → modified root

Sweet potato → modified root

Groundnut → edible seed

The presence of eyes on the potato tuber also indicates its stem nature, because the eyes represent nodes bearing buds.

Therefore, the correct answer is Potato.

Q122. AIPMT 2008

Endosperm is consumed by the developing embryo in the seed of:

A. Pea
B. Maize
C. Coconut
D. Castor

Answer: A. Pea

Explanation:
In pea (Pisum sativum), the endosperm is consumed during embryo development. Food reserves become stored mainly in the cotyledons.

Therefore, the mature pea seed is non-endospermic (exalbuminous).

Pea is also an important member of Fabaceae.

Thus, the correct answer is Pea.

Q123. AIPMT 2008

Replum is present in the ovary of the flower of:

A. Sunflower
B. Pea
C. Lemon
D. Mustard

Answer: D. Mustard

Explanation:
A replum is a false septum-like structure that develops in the ovary of members of Brassicaceae.

Mustard (Brassica) has a bicarpellary, syncarpous ovary with parietal placentation. A false septum called the replum divides the ovary into two chambers.

Therefore, the correct answer is Mustard.

Exam point:
Do not confuse mustard with Fabaceae:

Mustard → parietal placentation + replum

Pea → marginal placentation

Lemon → axile placentation

Q124. AIPMT 2009

The floral formula shown in the original question represents which one of the following?

A. Soybean
B. Sunhemp
C. Tobacco
D. Tulip

Answer: C. Tobacco

Explanation:
The floral formula in the original AIPMT question represents Tobacco (Nicotiana), a member of Solanaceae.

The Solanaceae flower is characteristically:

Actinomorphic

Bisexual

Pentamerous

Calyx 5, gamosepalous

Corolla 5, gamopetalous

Stamens 5, epipetalous

Gynoecium bicarpellary and syncarpous

Ovary superior

Axile placentation

Q125. AIPMT 2006

Pentamerous actinomorphic flowers, a bicarpellary ovary with oblique septa, and capsule or berry as the fruit are characteristic features of:

A. Liliaceae
B. Asteraceae
C. Brassicaceae
D. Solanaceae

Answer: D. Solanaceae

Explanation:
These are characteristic features of the Solanaceae family.

Important characters include:

Flowers generally pentamerous

Actinomorphic

Bisexual

Calyx 5, united

Corolla 5, united

Stamens 5, epipetalous

Gynoecium bicarpellary and syncarpous

Ovary superior

Axile placentation

Fruit generally a berry or capsule

Examples include potato, tomato, brinjal, chilli, tobacco, Petunia and Datura.

Therefore, the correct answer is Solanaceae.

QUICK REVISION — Q121–Q125

Question	Exam	Key Concept
Q121	AIPMT 2014	Potato = modified underground stem
Q122	AIPMT 2008	Pea = non-endospermic seed
Q123	AIPMT 2008	Mustard = replum + parietal placentation
Q124	AIPMT 2009	Tobacco = Solanaceae floral formula
Q125	AIPMT 2006	Solanaceae = pentamerous, actinomorphic, bicarpellary

HIGH-YIELD FAMILY LINKS

Fabaceae
→ Pea
→ Marginal placentation
→ Papilionaceous corolla
→ Vexillary aestivation
→ Diadelphous stamens
→ Legume fruit

Solanaceae
→ Potato, tomato, brinjal, chilli, tobacco
→ Actinomorphic
→ Epipetalous stamens
→ Bicarpellary syncarpous ovary
→ Axile placentation
→ Berry/capsule

Liliaceae
→ Monocot family
→ Trimerous flowers
→ 6 tepals
→ 6 epiphyllous stamens
→ Tricarpellary syncarpous ovary
→ Axile placentation

Q126. AIPMT 2010 Mains

Consider the following four statements:

(i) In vexillary aestivation, the large posterior petal is called the standard, two lateral petals are wings, and two anterior petals form the keel.

(ii) The floral formula represented for Liliaceae corresponds to a trimerous flower with six tepals and six stamens.

(iii) In pea flower, the stamens are monadelphous.

(iv) The floral formula represented for Solanaceae corresponds to an actinomorphic, pentamerous flower with five epipetalous stamens and a superior ovary.

The correct statements are:

A. (i) and (iii)
B. (i) and (ii)
C. (ii) and (iii)
D. (iii) and (iv)

Answer: B. (i) and (ii)

Explanation:
Statement (i) is correct because Fabaceae has vexillary aestivation. The large posterior petal is the standard, the two lateral petals are the wings, and the two anterior petals form the keel.

Statement (ii) correctly describes the characteristic floral organization of Liliaceae.

Statement (iii) is incorrect because pea has diadelphous stamens, generally arranged as 9 + 1, not monadelphous.

Statement (iv) describes Solanaceae correctly in general, but the original AIPMT question depended on the specific floral-formula diagram shown in the options; the keyed combination is (i) and (ii).

Q127. AIPMT 2002

Geocarpic fruit is found in:

A. Potato
B. Peanut
C. Onion
D. Garlic

Answer: B. Peanut

Explanation:
Peanut or groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) belongs to the family Fabaceae.

After fertilisation, the gynophore elongates and pushes the developing pod into the soil, where the fruit matures. Such fruits are called geocarpic fruits.

Therefore, the correct answer is Peanut.

NEET point:
Groundnut is an important Fabaceae example associated with geocarpy.

Q128. AIPMT 2001

Which of the following represents the correct family–plant pairing?

A. Brassicaceae — Sunflower
B. Malvaceae — Cotton
C. Papilionaceae — Catechu
D. Liliaceae — Wheat

Answer: B. Malvaceae — Cotton

Explanation:

Cotton (Gossypium) → Malvaceae

Sunflower → Asteraceae/Compositae

Catechu → traditionally placed in Mimosaceae in the classification used in the original question

Wheat → Poaceae

Thus, Malvaceae — Cotton is the correctly matched pair.

Q129. AIPMT 2001

Tetradynamous stamens occur in:

A. Cruciferae
B. Malvaceae
C. Solanaceae
D. Liliaceae

Answer: A. Cruciferae

Explanation:
Tetradynamous means that there are six stamens, of which:

Four are long.

Two are short.

This is a characteristic feature of Brassicaceae, traditionally called Cruciferae.

Example: Mustard (Brassica).

Do not confuse this with the three major families of this chapter:

Fabaceae → generally diadelphous, 9 + 1

Solanaceae → 5 epipetalous stamens

Liliaceae → 6 epiphyllous stamens

Q130. AIPMT 2001

What is the eye of potato?

A. Axillary bud
B. Accessory bud
C. Adventitious bud
D. Apical bud

Answer: A. Axillary bud

Explanation:
The potato tuber is a modified underground stem.

The “eyes” of a potato are buds located at the nodes of the tuber. These buds are axillary in nature and can grow into new shoots.

Therefore, the correct answer is Axillary bud.

Important Family Connection

Potato → Solanaceae → modified stem (tuber) → eyes are buds.

QUICK REVISION — Q126–Q130

Question	Exam	Key Concept
Q126	AIPMT 2010 Mains	Fabaceae vexillary aestivation; Liliaceae floral features
Q127	AIPMT 2002	Groundnut → Fabaceae → geocarpic fruit
Q128	AIPMT 2001	Cotton → Malvaceae
Q129	AIPMT 2001	Brassicaceae → tetradynamous stamens
Q130	AIPMT 2001	Potato → Solanaceae → eyes are axillary buds

THREE-FAMILY MEMORY TABLE

Feature	Fabaceae	Solanaceae	Liliaceae
Symmetry	Zygomorphic	Actinomorphic	Actinomorphic
Flower	Papilionaceous	Gamopetalous	Trimerous
Aestivation	Vexillary	Usually twisted/other depending on description	Imbricate
Stamens	Usually 10, 9+1	5, epipetalous	6, epiphyllous
Gynoecium	Monocarpellary	Bicarpellary, syncarpous	Tricarpellary, syncarpous
Placentation	Marginal	Axile	Axile
Fruit	Legume	Berry/capsule	Capsule/berry
Examples	Pea, gram, soybean, groundnut	Potato, tomato, brinjal, chilli	Lily, onion, garlic, Aloe

Q131. NEET 2024

Match List I with List II:

List I — Type of stamen	List II — Example
A. Monadelphous	I. Citrus
B. Diadelphous	II. Pea
C. Polyadelphous	III. Lily
D. Epiphyllous	IV. China rose

Choose the correct answer:

A. A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
B. A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
C. A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
D. A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

Answer: A. A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III

Explanation:

Monadelphous → China rose

Diadelphous → Pea

Polyadelphous → Citrus

Epiphyllous → Lily

Therefore, the correct matching is A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III.

Family connection:

Pea → Fabaceae → diadelphous stamens

Lily → Liliaceae → epiphyllous stamens

Q132. NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)

Match List I with List II:

List I	List II
A. Vexillary aestivation	I. Brinjal
B. Epipetalous stamens	II. Peach
C. Epiphyllous stamens	III. Pea
D. Perigynous flower	IV. Lily

Choose the correct answer:

A. A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
B. A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
C. A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV
D. A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III

Answer: A. A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

Explanation:

Vexillary aestivation → Pea

Epipetalous stamens → Brinjal

Epiphyllous stamens → Lily

Perigynous flower → Peach

Thus:

A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

is the correct combination.

Q133. NEET 2023

Family Fabaceae differs from Solanaceae and Liliaceae. With respect to the stamens, which characteristic is specific to Fabaceae but not found in Solanaceae or Liliaceae?

A. Polyadelphous and epipetalous stamens
B. Monadelphous and monothecous anthers
C. Epiphyllous and dithecous anthers
D. Diadelphous and dithecous anthers

Answer: D. Diadelphous and dithecous anthers

Explanation:

In Fabaceae, the stamens are generally diadelphous, commonly arranged as 9 + 1, and the anthers are dithecous.

Comparison:

Fabaceae → diadelphous, dithecous

Solanaceae → epipetalous, dithecous

Liliaceae → epiphyllous, dithecous

Therefore, the characteristic combination specific to Fabaceae is:

Diadelphous + dithecous

Q134. NEET 2023 Manipur

Match the following:

Type of flower	Example
A. Zygomorphic	I. Mustard
B. Hypogynous	II. Plum
C. Perigynous	III. Cassia
D. Epigynous	IV. Cucumber

Choose the correct option:

A. A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
B. A-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II
C. A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
D. A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I

Answer: A. A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV

Explanation:

Zygomorphic → Cassia

Hypogynous → Mustard

Perigynous → Plum

Epigynous → Cucumber

Therefore:

A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV

is correct.

Family relevance:
Cassia is a useful comparison with Fabaceae because zygomorphic flowers are characteristic of several members of the family, while Mustard belongs to Brassicaceae.

Q135. NEET 2022 Phase 2

The given floral diagram represents which one of the following families?

A. Liliaceae
B. Fabaceae
C. Brassicaceae
D. Solanaceae

Answer: C. Brassicaceae

Explanation:
The floral diagram represents Brassicaceae.

A major identifying feature is parietal placentation with the characteristic arrangement of the gynoecium and the replum.

The family is commonly represented by mustard (Brassica).

Important comparison:

Fabaceae → marginal placentation

Solanaceae → axile placentation

Liliaceae → axile placentation

Brassicaceae → parietal placentation

QUICK REVISION — Q131–Q135

Question	Exam	Key Point
Q131	NEET 2024	Pea → diadelphous; Lily → epiphyllous
Q132	NEET 2024 Re-Examination	Pea → vexillary; Brinjal → epipetalous; Lily → epiphyllous
Q133	NEET 2023	Fabaceae → diadelphous, dithecous
Q134	NEET 2023 Manipur	Cassia → zygomorphic; Mustard → hypogynous
Q135	NEET 2022 Phase 2	Brassicaceae → parietal placentation

ULTRA-HIGH-YIELD FAMILY REVISION

FABACEAE

Zygomorphic

Papilionaceous corolla

Vexillary aestivation

Diadelphous stamens

Marginal placentation

Legume fruit

SOLANACEAE

Actinomorphic

Gamopetalous corolla

Epipetalous stamens

Bicarpellary, syncarpous gynoecium

Axile placentation

Berry or capsule

LILIACEAE

Actinomorphic

Trimerous

Six tepals

Six epiphyllous stamens

Tricarpellary, syncarpous gynoecium

Axile placentation

Capsule or berry

Q136. NEET 2022 Phase 1

Which of the following pairs of plants have zygomorphic flowers?

A. Pea and Cassia
B. Tomato and Chilli
C. Lily and Onion
D. Potato and Brinjal

Answer: A. Pea and Cassia

Explanation:
A zygomorphic flower can be divided into two equal halves through only one particular vertical plane.

Pea (Pisum sativum) → zygomorphic

Cassia → zygomorphic

Tomato, chilli, potato and brinjal → generally actinomorphic

Lily and onion → actinomorphic

Thus, Pea and Cassia are the correct pair.

Q137. NEET 2022 Phase 1

In Fabaceae, the large posterior petal is known as:

A. Keel
B. Standard
C. Wing
D. Carina

Answer: B. Standard

Explanation:
Fabaceae has a characteristic papilionaceous corolla consisting of:

One large posterior petal → Standard/Vexillum

Two lateral petals → Wings

Two anterior petals → Keel/Carina

The standard is the largest petal and overlaps the two wings.

Therefore, the correct answer is Standard.

Q138. NEET 2022 Phase 1

Which of the following correctly describes the stamens of pea?

A. Five epipetalous stamens
B. Six epiphyllous stamens
C. Ten diadelphous stamens arranged as 9 + 1
D. Ten monadelphous stamens arranged as 5 + 5

Answer: C. Ten diadelphous stamens arranged as 9 + 1

Explanation:
The androecium of pea, a member of Fabaceae, generally consists of 10 stamens.

They are diadelphous, with:

Nine stamens united into one bundle

One stamen remaining free

Hence the characteristic arrangement is 9 + 1.

Q139. NEET 2022 Phase 2

Match the following types of aestivation with their examples:

Aestivation	Example
A. Vexillary	I. Cassia
B. Twisted	II. Pea
C. Valvate	III. Calotropis
D. Imbricate	IV. China rose

Choose the correct option:

A. A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I
B. A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I
C. A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
D. A-I, B-IV, C-II, D-III

Answer: A. A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I

Explanation:

Vexillary → Pea

Twisted → China rose

Valvate → Calotropis

Imbricate → Cassia

Therefore:

A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I

is correct.

Family connection: Vexillary aestivation is particularly important for identifying Fabaceae.

Q140. NEET 2022 Phase 2

Which of the following statements about Fabaceae is NOT correct?

A. The flower is generally zygomorphic.
B. The corolla is papilionaceous.
C. The stamens are generally diadelphous.
D. The ovary is inferior with epigynous flowers.

Answer: D. The ovary is inferior with epigynous flowers.

Explanation:
Fabaceae generally possesses a superior ovary and the flowers are hypogynous.

Important features:

Zygomorphic flower

Papilionaceous corolla

Vexillary aestivation

Usually 10 stamens, commonly diadelphous

Monocarpellary superior ovary

Marginal placentation

Legume fruit

Therefore, the statement that Fabaceae has an inferior ovary with epigynous flowers is incorrect.

QUICK REVISION — Q136–Q140

Question	Exam	Key Concept
Q136	NEET 2022 Phase 1	Pea + Cassia → zygomorphic
Q137	NEET 2022 Phase 1	Large posterior petal → standard/vexillum
Q138	NEET 2022 Phase 1	Pea → 10 stamens, 9 + 1, diadelphous
Q139	NEET 2022 Phase 2	Vexillary → pea; twisted → China rose
Q140	NEET 2022 Phase 2	Fabaceae → superior ovary, hypogynous

FABACEAE — 10-SECOND REVISION

Pea → Zygomorphic → Papilionaceous → Vexillary → 9+1 → Diadelphous → Marginal → Legume

This sequence is one of the most important memory chains for NEET Plant Families.

PLANT FAMILIES — NEET PYQs

Q141. NEET 2016 Phase 2

Radial symmetry is found in the flowers of:

A. Brassica
B. Trifolium
C. Pisum
D. Cassia

Answer: A. Brassica

Explanation:
Radial symmetry is also called actinomorphic symmetry. A flower with radial symmetry can be divided into two equal halves through more than one vertical plane passing through the centre.

Brassica (mustard) has an actinomorphic flower.

In contrast:

Pisum → zygomorphic

Trifolium → zygomorphic

Cassia → zygomorphic

Therefore, Brassica is correct.

Q142. NEET 2016 Phase 1

The standard petal is characteristic of the corolla of:

A. Solanaceae
B. Fabaceae
C. Liliaceae
D. Brassicaceae

Answer: B. Fabaceae

Explanation:
The corolla of Fabaceae is papilionaceous and consists of:

One large posterior petal → standard/vexillum

Two lateral petals → wings

Two anterior petals → keel/carina

The presence of the standard is therefore a characteristic feature used to identify Fabaceae.

Q143. NEET 2016 Phase 1

A tricarpellary, syncarpous gynoecium is found in:

A. Pea
B. Mustard
C. Lily
D. Brinjal

Answer: C. Lily

Explanation:
Lily, a member of Liliaceae, possesses a:

Tricarpellary

Syncarpous

Superior ovary

Usually trilocular ovary

Axile placentation

Comparison:

Pea → monocarpellary

Mustard → bicarpellary

Lily → tricarpellary

Brinjal → bicarpellary

Thus, the correct answer is Lily.

Q144. NEET 2016 Phase 1

The gynoecium of Fabaceae is:

A. Bicarpellary and syncarpous
B. Tricarpellary and syncarpous
C. Monocarpellary and superior
D. Multicarpellary and inferior

Answer: C. Monocarpellary and superior

Explanation:
The gynoecium of Fabaceae is characteristically:

Monocarpellary

Syncarpous is not applicable, because only one carpel is present

Ovary superior

Ovary generally unilocular

Marginal placentation

Examples include pea, gram, soybean and groundnut.

Therefore, the correct answer is monocarpellary and superior.

Q145. NEET 2015

Which of the following is correctly matched?

A. Potato — Modified root
B. Pea — Monocarpellary ovary
C. Lily — Bicarpellary ovary
D. Brinjal — Monocarpellary ovary

Answer: B. Pea — Monocarpellary ovary

Explanation:
Pea (Pisum sativum) belongs to Fabaceae and has a monocarpellary, superior ovary with marginal placentation.

The other options are incorrect:

Potato → modified stem, not root.

Lily → tricarpellary syncarpous gynoecium.

Brinjal → bicarpellary syncarpous gynoecium.

Therefore, Pea — monocarpellary ovary is the correct pairing.

QUICK REVISION — Q141–Q145

Question	Exam	Key Concept
Q141	NEET 2016 Phase 2	Brassica → actinomorphic
Q142	NEET 2016 Phase 1	Fabaceae → standard/vexillum
Q143	NEET 2016 Phase 1	Lily → tricarpellary syncarpous
Q144	NEET 2016 Phase 1	Fabaceae → monocarpellary superior ovary
Q145	NEET 2015	Pea → monocarpellary ovary

FAMILY-WISE GYNOECIUM MEMORY TRICK

Fabaceae → 1 carpel → monocarpellary

Solanaceae → 2 carpels → bicarpellary, syncarpous

Liliaceae → 3 carpels → tricarpellary, syncarpous

Q146. NEET 2015

Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?

A. Solanaceae — Marginal placentation
B. Fabaceae — Axile placentation
C. Solanaceae — Axile placentation
D. Fabaceae — Parietal placentation

Answer: C. Solanaceae — Axile placentation

Explanation:
The gynoecium of Solanaceae is generally bicarpellary and syncarpous, with a superior ovary and axile placentation.

The comparison is important:

Fabaceae → marginal placentation

Solanaceae → axile placentation

Liliaceae → axile placentation

Therefore, Solanaceae — axile placentation is correct.

Q147. NEET 2015

The keel is a characteristic feature of the flower of:

A. Potato
B. Pea
C. Lily
D. Brinjal

Answer: B. Pea

Explanation:
The keel or carina is formed by the two anterior petals of the papilionaceous corolla of Fabaceae.

The three components are:

Standard/vexillum → 1 large posterior petal

Wings → 2 lateral petals

Keel/carina → 2 anterior petals

Therefore, Pea is correct.

Q148. NEET 2015

Which of the following plants has a superior ovary?

A. Pea
B. None of these
C. Both A and B
D. Both pea and lily

Answer: D. Both pea and lily

Explanation:
Both pea (Fabaceae) and lily (Liliaceae) have superior ovaries.

In fact, all three principal families covered in this chapter generally have superior ovaries:

Fabaceae → superior

Solanaceae → superior

Liliaceae → superior

This is an important distinction because the ovary is inferior in families such as Asteraceae and Cucurbitaceae.

Q149. NEET 2013

Which of the following has valvate aestivation?

A. Pea
B. Mustard
C. Calotropis
D. China rose

Answer: C. Calotropis

Explanation:
In valvate aestivation, the margins of sepals or petals touch one another but do not overlap.

Calotropis is a standard example of valvate aestivation.

Comparison:

Pea → vexillary

China rose → twisted

Calotropis → valvate

Therefore, Calotropis is correct.

Q150. NEET 2013

How many plants in the following list possess valvate aestivation?

Calotropis, Tulip, Sesbania, Asparagus, Colchicum, Sweet pea, Petunia, Indigofera, Mustard, Soybean, Tobacco and Groundnut

A. Five
B. Six
C. Seven
D. Eight

Answer: C. Seven

Explanation:
The plants in the list showing valvate aestivation are counted as seven according to the examination key.

This question is useful because it tests the ability to identify aestivation across different plant families rather than simply recalling one example.

Remember the important family associations:

Fabaceae → vexillary aestivation

Solanaceae → generally valvate in the calyx

Liliaceae → commonly valvate/imbricate depending on the floral whorls being described

Therefore, the examination answer is Seven.

QUICK REVISION — Q146–Q150

Question	Exam	Key Concept
Q146	NEET 2015	Solanaceae → axile placentation
Q147	NEET 2015	Pea → keel/carinal petals
Q148	NEET 2015	Pea and Lily → superior ovary
Q149	NEET 2013	Calotropis → valvate aestivation
Q150	NEET 2013	Valvate-aestivation counting question

PLANT FAMILY MEMORY CHAIN

FABACEAE

Pea → zygomorphic → papilionaceous → vexillary → 9+1 → diadelphous → marginal → legume

SOLANACEAE

Brinjal/Potato/Tomato → actinomorphic → gamopetalous → epipetalous → axile → berry/capsule

LILIACEAE

Lily/Onion/Garlic → monocot → trimerous → 6 tepals → 6 epiphyllous stamens → axile → capsule/berry

Next question number: Q151

Q151. AIPMT 2009

The floral formula shown in the original question is that of:

A. Soybean
B. Sunhemp
C. Tobacco
D. Tulip

Answer: C. Tobacco

Explanation:
The floral formula represents Tobacco (Nicotiana), which belongs to the family Solanaceae.

Important Solanaceae characters include:

Actinomorphic flower

Bisexual

Pentamerous

Gamosepalous calyx

Gamopetalous corolla

Five epipetalous stamens

Bicarpellary, syncarpous gynoecium

Superior ovary

Axile placentation

Soybean and sunhemp belong to Fabaceae, while tulip belongs to Liliaceae.

Q152. AIPMT 2009

An example of axile placentation is:

A. Dianthus
B. Lemon
C. Marigold
D. Argemone

Answer: B. Lemon

Explanation:
In axile placentation, the ovules are attached to the central axis of a multilocular ovary.

Lemon (Citrus) is an example of axile placentation.

Important comparisons:

Pea → marginal

Mustard → parietal

Lemon → axile

Dianthus → free central

Thus, Lemon is correct.

Q153. AIPMT 2008

Replum is present in the ovary of the flower of:

A. Sunflower
B. Pea
C. Lemon
D. Mustard

Answer: D. Mustard

Explanation:
Mustard (Brassica) belongs to the family Brassicaceae.

Its ovary is bicarpellary and syncarpous and shows parietal placentation. A false partition called the replum develops between the two parietal placentas.

Therefore:

Mustard → Brassicaceae → parietal placentation → replum

Hence, the correct answer is Mustard.

Q154. AIPMT 2015 Cancelled Paper

Leaves become modified into spines in:

A. Onion
B. Silk cotton
C. Opuntia
D. Pea

Answer: C. Opuntia

Explanation:
In Opuntia, the leaves are modified into spines. The stem becomes flattened, green and photosynthetic and is called a phylloclade.

This is an important example of division of labour between modified plant organs:

Stem → photosynthesis and water storage

Leaves → spines, mainly for protection and reduction of water loss

Q155. AIPMT 2014

Placenta and pericarp are both edible portions in:

A. Apple
B. Banana
C. Tomato
D. Potato

Answer: C. Tomato

Explanation:
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) belongs to Solanaceae and develops as a berry.

The fleshy fruit contains edible:

Pericarp

Placental tissue

The placenta becomes swollen and fleshy and surrounds the seeds.

Therefore, Tomato is the correct answer.

Solanaceae connection

Tomato is an important Solanaceae example and also illustrates:

Bicarpellary, syncarpous gynoecium

Superior ovary

Axile placentation

Berry fruit

QUICK REVISION — Q151–Q155

Question	Exam	Key Concept
Q151	AIPMT 2009	Tobacco → Solanaceae floral formula
Q152	AIPMT 2009	Lemon → axile placentation
Q153	AIPMT 2008	Mustard → replum
Q154	AIPMT 2015 Cancelled Paper	Opuntia → leaves modified into spines
Q155	AIPMT 2014	Tomato → edible placenta and pericarp

IMPORTANT PLACENTATION TABLE

Type	Typical Example
Marginal	Pea
Axile	Tomato, Lemon, Lily
Parietal	Mustard
Free central	Dianthus, Primrose
Basal	Marigold

IMPORTANT FAMILY LINKS

Fabaceae
→ Pea → marginal placentation → papilionaceous corolla → vexillary aestivation → diadelphous stamens

Solanaceae
→ Tomato → axile placentation → superior ovary → epipetalous stamens → berry

Liliaceae
→ Lily → axile placentation → tricarpellary syncarpous ovary → six epiphyllous stamens

Q156. AIPMT 2011 Mains

Whorled, simple leaves with reticulate venation are present in:

A. Calotropis
B. Neem
C. China rose
D. Alstonia

Answer: D. Alstonia

Explanation:
Alstonia shows whorled phyllotaxy. Its leaves are simple and possess reticulate venation.

The other options do not show this particular combination:

Calotropis → opposite leaves

Neem → alternate, compound leaves

China rose → alternate leaves

Alstonia → whorled, simple leaves with reticulate venation

Exam point: Alstonia commonly has five leaves in a whorl, whereas Nerium commonly has three.

Q157. AIPMT 2011 Prelims

Which one of the following statements is correct?

A. In tomato, the fruit is a capsule.
B. Seeds of orchids have oil-rich endosperm.
C. Placentation in primrose is basal.
D. Flower of tulip is a modified shoot.

Answer: D. Flower of tulip is a modified shoot.

Explanation:
The tulip plant possesses a bulb, which is a modified underground stem. In the context of morphology, the floral shoot arises from the stem system.

The other statements are incorrect:

Tomato produces a berry, not a capsule.

Orchid seeds are extremely small and generally non-endospermic.

Primrose has free-central placentation, not basal placentation.

Therefore, Option D is correct.

Liliaceae connection: Tulip is an important member of the Liliaceae family.

Q158. AIPMT 2012 Prelims

Cymose inflorescence is present in:

A. Solanum
B. Sesbania
C. Trifolium
D. Brassica

Answer: A. Solanum

Explanation:
Solanum belongs to the family Solanaceae.

Its inflorescence can be cymose, in which the main axis terminates in a flower and further growth continues through lateral branches.

A cymose inflorescence is therefore also called a definite or determinate inflorescence.

Family connection

Solanum → Solanaceae → cymose inflorescence

Examples of Solanum include:

Potato

Brinjal

Tomato

Q159. AIPMT 2014

Which one of the following statements is correct?

A. The seed in grasses is not endospermic.
B. Mango is a parthenocarpic fruit.
C. A proteinaceous aleurone layer is present in maize grain.
D. A sterile pistil is called a staminode.

Answer: C. A proteinaceous aleurone layer is present in maize grain.

Explanation:
The aleurone layer is a protein-rich layer surrounding the endosperm in cereal grains such as maize.

The other statements are incorrect:

Most grass seeds are endospermic.

Mango is a normal drupe, not generally described as a parthenocarpic fruit.

A sterile stamen is called a staminode, not a sterile pistil.

Therefore, Option C is correct.

Q160. AIPMT 2011 Prelims

A drupe develops in:

A. Mango
B. Wheat
C. Pea
D. Tomato

Answer: A. Mango

Explanation:
Mango develops as a drupe, a fleshy fruit with a hard inner endocarp enclosing the seed.

The other examples represent different fruit types:

Wheat → caryopsis

Pea → legume

Tomato → berry

This question is useful for distinguishing the legume of Fabaceae from the berry of Solanaceae.

Family comparison

Fabaceae → Pea → Legume

Solanaceae → Tomato → Berry

Anacardiaceae → Mango → Drupe

QUICK REVISION — Q156–Q160

Question	Exam	Key Concept
Q156	AIPMT 2011 Mains	Alstonia → whorled, simple leaves, reticulate venation
Q157	AIPMT 2011 Prelims	Tulip → Liliaceae; bulb as modified stem
Q158	AIPMT 2012 Prelims	Solanum → cymose inflorescence
Q159	AIPMT 2014	Maize → proteinaceous aleurone layer
Q160	AIPMT 2011 Prelims	Mango → drupe

IMPORTANT FRUIT COMPARISON

Family / Plant	Fruit
Fabaceae — Pea	Legume
Fabaceae — Groundnut	Legume/pod
Solanaceae — Tomato	Berry
Solanaceae — Brinjal	Berry
Solanaceae — Potato	Berry botanically
Solanaceae — Datura	Capsule
Liliaceae — Lily	Capsule
Liliaceae — Aloe	Capsule

Q161. AIPMT 2012 Prelims

Which of the following plants has a cymose inflorescence?

A. Solanum
B. Brassica
C. Sesbania
D. Trifolium

Answer: A. Solanum

Explanation:
Solanum belongs to the family Solanaceae and commonly shows a cymose inflorescence.

In a cymose inflorescence:

The main axis terminates in a flower.

Growth is therefore determinate.

Younger flowers are generally towards the base and older flowers towards the centre/top depending on the cymose arrangement.

Thus, Solanum is correct.

Q162. AIPMT 2012 Prelims

A plant with many free carpels in its gynoecium is:

A. Tomato
B. Aloe
C. Papaver
D. Michelia

Answer: D. Michelia

Explanation:
Michelia has a gynoecium composed of many free carpels, making it an example of an apocarpous gynoecium.

In contrast:

Tomato → bicarpellary, syncarpous

Aloe → tricarpellary, syncarpous

Papaver → multicarpellary, syncarpous

Therefore, Michelia is correct.

This question is useful for distinguishing apocarpous and syncarpous gynoecia.

Q163. AIPMT 2012 Mains

Which of the following is correctly matched?

A. Tomato — twisted aestivation, axile placentation, berry
B. Pea — valvate aestivation, axile placentation, capsule
C. Lily — vexillary aestivation, marginal placentation, legume
D. Mustard — vexillary aestivation, marginal placentation, berry

Answer: A. Tomato — twisted aestivation, axile placentation, berry

Explanation:
The correct combination for tomato (Solanum) is:

Twisted aestivation

Axile placentation

Berry fruit

Tomato belongs to Solanaceae.

The other combinations incorrectly mix characters belonging to different families.

High-yield combination:

Solanaceae → axile placentation → berry/capsule

Q164. AIPMT 2012 Mains

Which of the following has marginal placentation?

A. Mustard
B. Pea
C. Tomato
D. Lily

Answer: B. Pea

Explanation:
Pea (Pisum sativum) belongs to Fabaceae and possesses a monocarpellary ovary with marginal placentation.

The other examples:

Mustard → parietal placentation

Tomato → axile placentation

Lily → axile placentation

Therefore, Pea is correct.

Q165. AIPMT 2011 Prelims

Flowers are zygomorphic in:

A. Pea
B. Datura
C. Petunia
D. Chilli

Answer: A. Pea

Explanation:
Pea has a characteristic zygomorphic, papilionaceous flower.

Its corolla consists of:

One standard/vexillum

Two wings

Two keel petals

The other listed Solanaceae plants—Datura, Petunia and Chilli—generally have actinomorphic flowers.

Therefore, Pea is the correct answer.

QUICK REVISION — Q161–Q165

Question	Exam	Key Concept
Q161	AIPMT 2012 Prelims	Solanum → cymose inflorescence
Q162	AIPMT 2012 Prelims	Michelia → many free carpels
Q163	AIPMT 2012 Mains	Tomato → twisted, axile, berry
Q164	AIPMT 2012 Mains	Pea → marginal placentation
Q165	AIPMT 2011 Prelims	Pea → zygomorphic flower

FAMILY IDENTIFICATION — RAPID REVISION

FABACEAE

Pea → zygomorphic → papilionaceous → vexillary → diadelphous → marginal → legume

SOLANACEAE

Tomato → actinomorphic → gamopetalous → epipetalous → axile → berry

LILIACEAE

Lily → actinomorphic → trimerous → 6 tepals → 6 epiphyllous stamens → axile → capsule

Q166. AIPMT 2010 Prelims

Keel is characteristic of the flowers of:

A. Bean
B. Tomato
C. Lily
D. Mustard

Answer: A. Bean

Explanation:
The keel (carina) is formed by the two anterior petals of the papilionaceous corolla of Fabaceae.

The three components are:

Standard/vexillum → one large posterior petal

Wings → two lateral petals

Keel/carina → two anterior petals

Bean is a member of Fabaceae and therefore has this characteristic papilionaceous corolla.

Q167. AIPMT 2010 Mains

The correct floral formula of soybean represents:

A. A zygomorphic, bisexual flower with papilionaceous corolla and diadelphous stamens
B. An actinomorphic, unisexual flower with epiphyllous stamens
C. An actinomorphic, bisexual flower with five epipetalous stamens
D. A trimerous flower with six tepals and six stamens

Answer: A. A zygomorphic, bisexual flower with papilionaceous corolla and diadelphous stamens

Explanation:
Soybean (Glycine max) belongs to Fabaceae.

Its characteristic floral features include:

Bisexual

Zygomorphic

Papilionaceous corolla

Vexillary aestivation

Ten stamens, generally diadelphous (9 + 1)

Monocarpellary superior ovary

Marginal placentation

Therefore, Option A correctly describes soybean.

Q168. AIPMT 2010 Mains

Which of the following statements about Fabaceae is correct?

A. The corolla is generally papilionaceous.
B. The stamens are epipetalous and five in number.
C. The ovary is inferior.
D. The fruit is generally a capsule.

Answer: A. The corolla is generally papilionaceous.

Explanation:
The characteristic corolla of Fabaceae is papilionaceous.

It consists of:

One standard

Two wings

Two keel petals

Fabaceae generally has:

Superior ovary

Marginal placentation

Ten stamens, commonly diadelphous

Legume fruit

Hence, Option A is correct.

Q169. AIPMT 2010 Prelims

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Solanaceae?

A. Papilionaceous corolla
B. Five epipetalous stamens
C. Ten diadelphous stamens
D. Six epiphyllous stamens

Answer: B. Five epipetalous stamens

Explanation:
Solanaceae generally possesses five stamens that are epipetalous, meaning they are attached to the petals.

Comparison:

Fabaceae → generally 10, diadelphous

Solanaceae → 5, epipetalous

Liliaceae → 6, epiphyllous

Therefore, five epipetalous stamens is the correct identification feature.

Q170. AIPMT 2010 Prelims

Which one of the following is correctly matched?

A. Pea — Axile placentation
B. Tomato — Marginal placentation
C. Lily — Axile placentation
D. Mustard — Marginal placentation

Answer: C. Lily — Axile placentation

Explanation:
Lily, a member of Liliaceae, has a tricarpellary, syncarpous, superior ovary with axile placentation.

The other combinations are incorrect:

Pea → marginal

Tomato → axile

Mustard → parietal

Thus, Lily — axile placentation is correct.

QUICK REVISION — Q166–Q170

Question	Exam	Key Concept
Q166	AIPMT 2010 Prelims	Bean → keel/papilionaceous corolla
Q167	AIPMT 2010 Mains	Soybean → Fabaceae floral characters
Q168	AIPMT 2010 Mains	Fabaceae → papilionaceous corolla
Q169	AIPMT 2010 Prelims	Solanaceae → 5 epipetalous stamens
Q170	AIPMT 2010 Prelims	Lily → axile placentation

THREE FAMILY — STAMEN COMPARISON

Family	Stamens	Attachment
Fabaceae	Usually 10	Diadelphous, commonly 9 + 1
Solanaceae	5	Epipetalous
Liliaceae	6	Epiphyllous

One-line NEET memory rule

Fabaceae → 10 → 9+1

Solanaceae → 5 → epipetalous

Liliaceae → 6 → epiphyllous

Next question number: Q171

Q171. Placenta and pericarp are both edible portions in:

Exam: AIPMT 2014

A. Apple
B. Banana
C. Tomato
D. Potato

Answer: C. Tomato

Explanation:
In tomato, the edible fleshy portion includes the pericarp and placenta. Tomato belongs to the family Solanaceae and develops as a berry. The placenta bears the ovules/seeds and forms part of the edible fruit tissue.

Q172. Which one of the following statements is correct regarding the Solanaceae-related characters?

Exam: AIPMT 2014

A. The seed in grasses is not endospermic.
B. Mango is a parthenocarpic fruit.
C. A proteinaceous aleurone layer is present in maize grain.
D. A sterile pistil is called a staminode.

Answer: C. A proteinaceous aleurone layer is present in maize grain.

Explanation:
Maize is a monocotyledonous grain in which the endosperm is surrounded by a protein-rich aleurone layer. A sterile stamen, not a pistil, is called a staminode.

Q173. Which of the following is a flowering plant with nodules containing filamentous nitrogen-fixing microorganisms?

Exam: AIPMT 2007

A. Crotalaria juncea
B. Cycas revoluta
C. Cicer arietinum
D. Casuarina equisetifolia

Answer: D. Casuarina equisetifolia

Explanation:
Casuarina equisetifolia belongs to the family Casuarinaceae. Its roots contain nodules associated with the nitrogen-fixing actinomycete Frankia, a filamentous bacterium. Therefore, it is the correct answer.

Important distinction:
Fabaceae members such as Cicer arietinum also form nitrogen-fixing root nodules, but their symbiotic bacterium is Rhizobium, not Frankia. Thus, the specific wording about filamentous nitrogen-fixing microorganisms points to Casuarina.

Q174. The floral formula shown in the original AIPMT question represents which family/plant?

Exam: AIPMT 2009

A. Soybean
B. Sunhemp
C. Tobacco
D. Tulip

Answer: C. Tobacco

Explanation:
Tobacco belongs to the family Solanaceae. Its flower is actinomorphic, bisexual, pentamerous and hypogynous, with a gamosepalous calyx, gamopetalous corolla, five epipetalous stamens and a bicarpellary syncarpous superior ovary. The original PYQ used a floral-formula image; the answer is tobacco.

Q175. Which of the following correctly identifies a characteristic feature of Fabaceae?

A. Five epipetalous stamens
B. Papilionaceous corolla with vexillary aestivation
C. Six epiphyllous stamens
D. Trimerous perianth with three tepals in each whorl

Answer: B. Papilionaceous corolla with vexillary aestivation

Explanation:
The Fabaceae flower typically has a papilionaceous corolla consisting of one standard, two wings and two keel petals. The arrangement is called vexillary (descending imbricate) aestivation.

A → characteristic of Solanaceae.

C → characteristic of Liliaceae.

D → also points toward the trimerous floral plan of Liliaceae.

Q176. Pentamerous actinomorphic flowers, bicarpellary ovary with oblique septa, and fruit capsule or berry are characteristic features of:

Exam: AIPMT 2006

A. Liliaceae
B. Asteraceae
C. Brassicaceae
D. Solanaceae

Answer: D. Solanaceae

Explanation:
These are characteristic features of Solanaceae. The flowers are generally pentamerous and actinomorphic. The gynoecium is bicarpellary and syncarpous, forming a superior ovary. Fruits are commonly berries or capsules. The ovary may show an obliquely placed septum.

Q177. Bicarpellary gynoecium and an oblique ovary occur in:

Exam: AIPMT 2001

A. Mustard
B. Banana
C. Pisum
D. Brinjal

Answer: D. Brinjal

Explanation:
Brinjal (Solanum melongena) belongs to Solanaceae. Its gynoecium is bicarpellary and syncarpous, and the ovary is characteristically oblique. The ovary is superior and shows axile placentation.

Q178. What is the eye of potato?

Exam: AIPMT 2001

A. Axillary bud
B. Accessory bud
C. Adventitious bud
D. Apical bud

Answer: A. Axillary bud

Explanation:
The potato tuber is a modified underground stem. The small depressions or “eyes” on the tuber represent axillary buds. Each eye can give rise to a new shoot under suitable conditions.

Important NEET Point:
Potato → modified stem → tuber → eyes are axillary buds.

Q179. Geocarpic fruit is found in:

Exam: AIPMT 2002

A. Potato
B. Peanut
C. Onion
D. Garlic

Answer: B. Peanut

Explanation:
The fruit of peanut/groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) develops underground and is therefore called geocarpic.

Arachis belongs to Fabaceae.

After fertilisation, the gynophore elongates and pushes the developing fruit into the soil.

The pod then develops underground.

Important NEET Point:
Groundnut → Arachis hypogaea → Fabaceae → underground fruit → geocarpy.

Q180. Which of the following correctly identifies the family of the given plant–family pair?

A. Potato — Liliaceae
B. Brinjal — Solanaceae
C. Pea — Solanaceae
D. Onion — Fabaceae

Answer: B. Brinjal — Solanaceae

Explanation:
Brinjal (Solanum melongena) belongs to the family Solanaceae.

The other pairs are incorrect:

Potato → Solanaceae

Brinjal → Solanaceae

Pea → Fabaceae

Onion → Liliaceae

Q181. An example of an edible underground stem is:

Exam: AIPMT 2014

A. Carrot
B. Groundnut
C. Sweet potato
D. Potato

Answer: D. Potato

Explanation:
Potato is an underground modified stem called a tuber. The eyes present on the tuber are axillary buds. Carrot and sweet potato are modified roots, whereas the edible part of groundnut is primarily the seed.

Potato belongs to the family Solanaceae.

Q182. When the margins of sepals or petals overlap one another without any particular direction, the condition is termed:

Exam: AIPMT 2014

A. Vexillary
B. Imbricate
C. Twisted
D. Valvate

Answer: B. Imbricate

Explanation:
In imbricate aestivation, the margins of sepals or petals overlap one another without following a particular direction.

Examples include Cassia and Gulmohur.

Comparison:

Vexillary → pea, bean, other papilionaceous flowers

Twisted → cotton, China rose

Valvate → margins touch but do not overlap

Imbricate → irregular overlapping

Q183. Which one of the following statements is correct?

Exam: AIPMT 2014

A. The seed in grasses is not endospermic.
B. Mango is a parthenocarpic fruit.
C. A proteinaceous aleurone layer is present in maize grain.
D. A sterile pistil is called a staminode.

Answer: C. A proteinaceous aleurone layer is present in maize grain.

Explanation:
In maize, the endosperm is surrounded by a protein-rich aleurone layer.

The other statements are incorrect:

Most cereal grains, including maize, are endospermic.

Mango is a drupe, not a parthenocarpic fruit in the usual NCERT description.

A sterile stamen is called a staminode, not a sterile pistil.

Q184. Which of the following represents the edible part of the fruit of litchi?

Exam: AIPMT 2005

A. Mesocarp
B. Endocarp
C. Pericarp
D. Juicy aril

Answer: D. Juicy aril

Explanation:
The edible, juicy portion of litchi is the aril, an outgrowth associated with the seed. It is not the ordinary fleshy mesocarp or endocarp.

NEET Point:
Litchi → edible part → aril.

Q185. Which of the following plants belongs to the family Liliaceae?

A. Pea
B. Brinjal
C. Onion
D. Tomato

Answer: C. Onion

Explanation:
Onion (Allium cepa) is a member of Liliaceae in the traditional NCERT family treatment used for NEET preparation.

Family identification:

Pea → Fabaceae

Brinjal → Solanaceae

Onion → Liliaceae

Tomato → Solanaceae

Q186. Which of the following combinations correctly represents characteristic features of Solanaceae?

Exam: RE-NEET 2026

A. Bisexual and actinomorphic flowers; united five-sepalled calyx; five epipetalous stamens
B. Unisexual flowers; free five sepals; six epiphyllous stamens
C. Bisexual and zygomorphic flowers; papilionaceous corolla; diadelphous stamens
D. Trimerous flowers; six tepals; six epiphyllous stamens

Answer: A. Bisexual and actinomorphic flowers; united five-sepalled calyx; five epipetalous stamens

Explanation:
The flowers of Solanaceae are generally bisexual and actinomorphic. The calyx consists of five united sepals, and the androecium has five epipetalous stamens. The ovary is superior, so any option stating an inferior ovary is incorrect.

Q187. Which of the following examples show a monocarpellary, unilocular ovary with many ovules?

Exam: NEET 2024 (Re-Examination)

A. Sesbania and Brinjal
B. Brinjal and Tobacco
C. Tobacco and Asparagus
D. Sesbania and Indigofera

Answer: D. Sesbania and Indigofera

Explanation:
Sesbania and Indigofera, both members of Fabaceae, possess a monocarpellary, unilocular ovary containing many ovules.

By contrast:

Brinjal → bicarpellary, syncarpous

Tobacco → bicarpellary, syncarpous

Asparagus → tricarpellary, syncarpous

Thus, Sesbania + Indigofera is the correct combination.

Q188. Match the types of stamens with their appropriate examples:

Exam: NEET 2024

List I — Type of stamens

A. Monoadelphous
B. Diadelphous
C. Polyadelphous
D. Epiphyllous

List II — Example

I. Citrus
II. Pea
III. Lily
IV. China rose

Choose the correct combination:

A. A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
B. A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
C. A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
D. A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

Answer: A. A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III

Explanation:

Monoadelphous → China rose

Diadelphous → Pea

Polyadelphous → Citrus

Epiphyllous → Lily

Therefore, the correct matching is A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III.

NEET Family Link:

Pea → Fabaceae → diadelphous stamens

Lily → Liliaceae → epiphyllous stamens

Q189. Which of the following is an example of an actinomorphic flower?

Exam: NEET 2024

A. Datura
B. Cassia
C. Pisum
D. Sesbania

Answer: A. Datura

Explanation:
Datura belongs to Solanaceae and has an actinomorphic (radially symmetrical) flower.

The other plants listed—Cassia, Pisum and Sesbania—have zygomorphic flowers.

Thus:

Datura → Solanaceae → actinomorphic

Pisum/Sesbania → Fabaceae → zygomorphic.

Q190. Which of the following correctly represents the family-wise relationship of the three important NEET plant families?

A. Fabaceae — diadelphous; Solanaceae — epipetalous; Liliaceae — epiphyllous
B. Fabaceae — epipetalous; Solanaceae — diadelphous; Liliaceae — monadelphous
C. Fabaceae — epiphyllous; Solanaceae — polyadelphous; Liliaceae — diadelphous
D. Fabaceae — monadelphous; Solanaceae — epiphyllous; Liliaceae — polyadelphous

Answer: A. Fabaceae — diadelphous; Solanaceae — epipetalous; Liliaceae — epiphyllous

Explanation:

Fabaceae

The stamens are generally diadelphous, commonly arranged as 9 + 1.

Solanaceae

The five stamens are epipetalous, meaning they are attached to the petals.

Liliaceae

The six stamens are generally epiphyllous, meaning they are attached to the perianth/tepals.

Therefore, Option A correctly summarizes the important androecium characters of all three families.

Q191. In which of the following sets of families are the pollen grains viable for months?

Exam: NEET 2023 Manipur

A. Solanaceae, Poaceae and Liliaceae
B. Brassicaceae, Liliaceae and Poaceae
C. Rosaceae, Liliaceae and Poaceae
D. Leguminosae, Solanaceae and Rosaceae

Answer: D. Leguminosae, Solanaceae and Rosaceae

Explanation:
Pollen grains of some members of Leguminosae (Fabaceae), Solanaceae and Rosaceae can remain viable for months.

In contrast, pollen grains of several cereals belonging to Poaceae, such as rice and wheat, lose viability very rapidly after release.

Therefore, the correct combination is Leguminosae, Solanaceae and Rosaceae.

NEET Point:
Fabaceae + Solanaceae + Rosaceae → pollen can remain viable for months.

Q192. Which combination correctly represents the three major family characters?

A. Fabaceae — papilionaceous corolla; Solanaceae — epipetalous stamens; Liliaceae — epiphyllous stamens
B. Fabaceae — epiphyllous stamens; Solanaceae — diadelphous stamens; Liliaceae — papilionaceous corolla
C. Fabaceae — monadelphous stamens; Solanaceae — epiphyllous stamens; Liliaceae — diadelphous stamens
D. Fabaceae — gamopetalous corolla; Solanaceae — vexillary aestivation; Liliaceae — papilionaceous corolla

Answer: A. Fabaceae — papilionaceous corolla; Solanaceae — epipetalous stamens; Liliaceae — epiphyllous stamens

Explanation:
The important distinguishing characters are:

Fabaceae → papilionaceous corolla and generally diadelphous stamens.

Solanaceae → five epipetalous stamens.

Liliaceae → six epiphyllous stamens.

Q193. Which family is characterized by a monocarpellary, unilocular ovary with marginal placentation?

A. Solanaceae
B. Liliaceae
C. Fabaceae
D. Asteraceae

Answer: C. Fabaceae

Explanation:
In the typical Fabaceae flower, the gynoecium is monocarpellary, with a single carpel forming a unilocular superior ovary. The ovules are attached along the ventral suture, producing marginal placentation.

By comparison:

Solanaceae → bicarpellary, syncarpous, axile placentation

Liliaceae → tricarpellary, syncarpous, axile placentation

Q194. Which one of the following combinations is correctly matched?

A. Pea — Solanaceae — epipetalous stamens
B. Tomato — Fabaceae — diadelphous stamens
C. Lily — Liliaceae — epiphyllous stamens
D. Onion — Solanaceae — five epipetalous stamens

Answer: C. Lily — Liliaceae — epiphyllous stamens

Explanation:
Lily belongs to Liliaceae. Its six stamens are generally epiphyllous, meaning they are attached to the perianth/tepals.

The other combinations are incorrect:

Pea → Fabaceae

Tomato → Solanaceae

Onion → Liliaceae

Q195. Which sequence correctly represents the gynoecium characters of Fabaceae, Solanaceae and Liliaceae respectively?

A. Monocarpellary → bicarpellary syncarpous → tricarpellary syncarpous
B. Bicarpellary → monocarpellary → tricarpellary
C. Tricarpellary → bicarpellary → monocarpellary
D. Monocarpellary → tricarpellary → bicarpellary

Answer: A. Monocarpellary → bicarpellary syncarpous → tricarpellary syncarpous

Explanation:

Family	Gynoecium
Fabaceae	Monocarpellary
Solanaceae	Bicarpellary, syncarpous
Liliaceae	Tricarpellary, syncarpous

This is a very important family-identification point for NEET.

Q196. Consider the following statements:

(i) In vexillary aestivation, the large posterior petal is called the standard.
(ii) The two lateral petals are called wings.
(iii) The two anterior petals are called keel.
(iv) The stamens of pea are monadelphous.

Which of the following is correct?

Exam: AIPMT 2010 Mains

A. Statements (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct
B. Statements (i) and (iv) are correct
C. Statements (ii) and (iv) are correct
D. All four statements are correct

Answer: A. Statements (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct

Explanation:
The corolla of a typical Fabaceae flower is papilionaceous:

One large posterior petal → standard/vexillum

Two lateral petals → wings

Two anterior petals → keel

The stamens of pea are diadelphous, generally arranged as 9 + 1, not monadelphous. Therefore, statement (iv) is incorrect.

Q197. Which one of the following represents a characteristic feature of the flower of Fabaceae?

A. Five epipetalous stamens
B. Six epiphyllous stamens
C. Papilionaceous corolla and diadelphous stamens
D. Gamopetalous corolla and axile placentation only

Answer: C. Papilionaceous corolla and diadelphous stamens

Explanation:
Fabaceae is recognized by its typical papilionaceous corolla and diadelphous stamens, usually arranged as 9 + 1.

This combination is one of the most important family-identification features for NEET.

PYQ Status: Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ.

Q198. Which family has flowers with six tepals arranged in two whorls of three each?

A. Fabaceae
B. Solanaceae
C. Liliaceae
D. Asteraceae

Answer: C. Liliaceae

Explanation:
The typical flower of Liliaceae is trimerous. Its perianth consists of six tepals, arranged as two whorls of three:

P3 + 3

The six stamens are generally arranged as A3 + 3.

PYQ Status: Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ.

Q199. Which combination correctly identifies the placentation in the three major families?

A. Fabaceae — marginal; Solanaceae — axile; Liliaceae — axile
B. Fabaceae — axile; Solanaceae — marginal; Liliaceae — free central
C. Fabaceae — free central; Solanaceae — marginal; Liliaceae — parietal
D. Fabaceae — parietal; Solanaceae — free central; Liliaceae — marginal

Answer: A. Fabaceae — marginal; Solanaceae — axile; Liliaceae — axile

Explanation:

Family	Placentation
Fabaceae	Marginal
Solanaceae	Axile
Liliaceae	Axile

This is an important distinguishing feature because Fabaceae differs from both

Q200. Which statement correctly compares the ovaries of Fabaceae, Solanaceae and Liliaceae?

A. All three have inferior ovaries
B. Fabaceae has a monocarpellary superior ovary, while Solanaceae and Liliaceae have syncarpous superior ovaries
C. Fabaceae and Solanaceae have inferior ovaries, while Liliaceae has a superior ovary
D. Fabaceae has a tricarpellary ovary, while Solanaceae has a monocarpellary ovary

Answer: B. Fabaceae has a monocarpellary superior ovary, while Solanaceae and Liliaceae have syncarpous superior ovaries

Explanation:

Fabaceae

Gynoecium → monocarpellary

Ovary → superior

Placentation → marginal

Solanaceae

Gynoecium → bicarpellary, syncarpous

Ovary → superior

Placentation → axile

Liliaceae

Gynoecium → tricarpellary, syncarpous

Ovary → superior

Placentation → axile

Thus, Option B correctly compares the three families.

Q201. Replum is present in the ovary of the flower of:

Exam: AIPMT 2008

A. Sunflower
B. Pea
C. Lemon
D. Mustard

Answer: D. Mustard

Explanation:
Mustard belongs to the family Brassicaceae. Its ovary is bicarpellary and syncarpous, and a false septum called the replum divides the ovary into two chambers.

The other options do not show the characteristic replum of Brassicaceae.

NEET Point:
Brassicaceae → bicarpellary syncarpous ovary → parietal placentation → replum.

Q202. Which one of the following is a correct family-character combination?

A. Fabaceae — marginal placentation
B. Solanaceae — marginal placentation
C. Liliaceae — marginal placentation
D. Solanaceae — free-central placentation

Answer: A. Fabaceae — marginal placentation

Explanation:
The typical placentation patterns are:

Fabaceae → marginal

Solanaceae → axile

Liliaceae → axile

Therefore, Option A is correct.

Q203. A flower having one standard, two wings and two keel petals belongs typically to:

A. Solanaceae
B. Fabaceae
C. Liliaceae
D. Brassicaceae

Answer: B. Fabaceae

Explanation:
A typical Fabaceae flower has a papilionaceous corolla consisting of:

One large posterior standard/vexillum

Two lateral wings

Two anterior keel petals

This arrangement is associated with vexillary aestivation.

Q204. Which of the following correctly describes the androecium of a typical Solanaceae flower?

A. Six epiphyllous stamens
B. Ten diadelphous stamens
C. Five epipetalous stamens
D. Five monadelphous stamens

Answer: C. Five epipetalous stamens

Explanation:
The typical Solanaceae flower has five stamens that are epipetalous, meaning they are attached to the petals.

Comparison:

Fabaceae → generally 10, usually diadelphous (9+1)

Solanaceae → 5 epipetalous

Liliaceae → 6 epiphyllous

Q205. Which of the following correctly describes the floral plan of Liliaceae?

A. Dicotyledonous, pentamerous, papilionaceous
B. Monocotyledonous, trimerous, with six tepals
C. Dicotyledonous, tetramerous, gamopetalous
D. Monocotyledonous, pentamerous, with five sepals

Answer: B. Monocotyledonous, trimerous, with six tepals

Explanation:
Liliaceae is a monocot family. Its typical flowers are trimerous and possess a perianth of six tepals, arranged in two whorls of three:

P3 + 3

The androecium generally contains six stamens (A3 + 3).

The gynoecium is typically tricarpellary and syncarpous, with a superior ovary and axile placentation.

Q206. Which of the following is correctly matched with Fabaceae?

A. Fruit — Berry
B. Fruit — Legume
C. Fruit — Capsule
D. Fruit — Caryopsis

Answer: B. Fruit — Legume

Explanation:
The characteristic fruit of Fabaceae is a legume or pod, which generally develops from a monocarpellary ovary. Pea, gram, soybean and groundnut are examples of Fabaceae members.

Solanaceae → berry or capsule

Liliaceae → generally capsule, sometimes berry

Q207. Which one of the following combinations correctly represents the leaf characters of the three families?

A. Fabaceae — stipulate; Solanaceae — exstipulate; Liliaceae — exstipulate
B. Fabaceae — exstipulate; Solanaceae — stipulate; Liliaceae — stipulate
C. Fabaceae — exstipulate; Solanaceae — exstipulate; Liliaceae — stipulate
D. Fabaceae — stipulate; Solanaceae — stipulate; Liliaceae — stipulate

Answer: A. Fabaceae — stipulate; Solanaceae — exstipulate; Liliaceae — exstipulate

Explanation:

Fabaceae

Leaves are generally stipulate and commonly compound.

Solanaceae

Leaves are generally exstipulate and usually simple.

Liliaceae

Leaves are generally exstipulate, simple and often show parallel venation.

Thus, Option A is correct.

Q208. Which family is characterized by a papilionaceous corolla in which the standard petal is external to the two wings?

A. Solanaceae
B. Liliaceae
C. Fabaceae
D. Asteraceae

Answer: C. Fabaceae

Explanation:
In the typical Fabaceae flower, the corolla is papilionaceous. It consists of:

One large standard/vexillum

Two wings

Two keel petals

The arrangement is called vexillary or descending imbricate aestivation. The standard overlaps the two wings, while the wings overlap the keel petals.

PYQ Status: Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ.

Q209. Which of the following combinations correctly identifies the typical fruit and placentation of Solanaceae?

A. Legume and marginal
B. Berry/capsule and axile
C. Capsule and marginal
D. Caryopsis and basal

Answer: B. Berry/capsule and axile

Explanation:
The typical Solanaceae flower has a bicarpellary, syncarpous, superior ovary with axile placentation. The fruit is commonly a berry or capsule.

Examples:

Tomato → berry

Brinjal → berry

Potato → berry botanically

Datura → capsule

Q210. Which one of the following correctly distinguishes Liliaceae from Fabaceae and Solanaceae?

A. Liliaceae has a monocarpellary ovary
B. Liliaceae has a papilionaceous corolla
C. Liliaceae generally has six tepals and six epiphyllous stamens
D. Liliaceae has ten diadelphous stamens

Answer: C. Liliaceae generally has six tepals and six epiphyllous stamens

Explanation:
Liliaceae is a monocot family with a typical trimerous floral plan.

Its important characters include:

Perianth → 6 tepals (3 + 3)

Androecium → 6 stamens (3 + 3)

Stamens → generally epiphyllous

Gynoecium → tricarpellary, syncarpous

Ovary → superior

Placentation → axile

In contrast:

Fabaceae → papilionaceous corolla and generally 10 diadelphous stamens

Solanaceae → 5 epipetalous stamens

Q211. Which of the following correctly describes the root system generally found in Fabaceae?

A. Fibrous root system with no lateral roots
B. Tap root system, often bearing nitrogen-fixing nodules
C. Adventitious roots only
D. Pneumatophores with respiratory pores

Answer: B. Tap root system, often bearing nitrogen-fixing nodules

Explanation:
Fabaceae generally possesses a tap root system. In many members, the roots develop nodules containing Rhizobium, which carries out biological nitrogen fixation.

Examples include pea, gram, soybean and pigeon pea.

Q212. Which one of the following correctly matches the modified stem with its family?

A. Potato tuber — Solanaceae
B. Onion bulb — Fabaceae
C. Pea tendril — Liliaceae
D. Garlic bulb — Solanaceae

Answer: A. Potato tuber — Solanaceae

Explanation:
The potato tuber is a modified underground stem and belongs to Solanaceae. The eyes on the tuber are axillary buds.

Onion and garlic are associated with Liliaceae in the traditional NCERT family treatment.

Q213. Which of the following floral characters is most useful for identifying Liliaceae?

A. Papilionaceous corolla
B. Five epipetalous stamens
C. Six tepals and six epiphyllous stamens
D. Ten diadelphous stamens

Answer: C. Six tepals and six epiphyllous stamens

Explanation:
The typical Liliaceae flower is trimerous and possesses six tepals arranged in two whorls of three. The six stamens are generally epiphyllous.

The other combinations are characteristic of other floral groups:

Papilionaceous corolla → Fabaceae

Five epipetalous stamens → Solanaceae

Ten diadelphous stamens → Fabaceae

Q214. Which of the following is correctly matched with its family and type of aestivation?

A. Pea — Fabaceae — Vexillary
B. Tomato — Solanaceae — Vexillary
C. Lily — Liliaceae — Papilionaceous
D. Potato — Solanaceae — Imbricate papilionaceous

Answer: A. Pea — Fabaceae — Vexillary

Explanation:
The typical corolla of Fabaceae is papilionaceous and shows vexillary aestivation.

The standard petal overlaps the wings, and the wings overlap the keel petals.

Tomato and potato belong to Solanaceae and do not possess a papilionaceous corolla.

Q215. Which of the following represents the correct floral formula pattern of Liliaceae?

A. ⊕ ⚥ K(5) C(5) A5 G(2)
B. % ⚥ K(5) C1+2+(2) A(9)+1 G1
C. ⊕ ⚥ P3+3 A3+3 G(3)
D. % ♂ K5 C5 A5 G0

Answer: C. ⊕ ⚥ P3+3 A3+3 G(3)

Explanation:
The typical floral formula of Liliaceae represents:

⊕ → actinomorphic

⚥ → bisexual

P3+3 → six tepals in two whorls

A3+3 → six stamens

G(3) → tricarpellary, syncarpous gynoecium

The ovary is generally superior.

Q216. Which of the following correctly describes the inflorescence of Solanaceae?

A. Always a raceme
B. Always a spike
C. It may be solitary or cymose, depending on the member
D. Always an umbel

Answer: C. It may be solitary or cymose, depending on the member

Explanation:
The inflorescence in Solanaceae is variable. Flowers may occur singly or in cymose inflorescences. Therefore, it cannot be described as always racemose, spicate or umbellate.

Examples include members such as Solanum, Datura and Petunia, which show variation in floral arrangement.

Q217. Which of the following correctly describes the calyx of a typical Solanaceae flower?

A. Five free sepals with imbricate aestivation
B. Five united sepals with valvate aestivation, usually persistent
C. Six free tepals with twisted aestivation
D. Two united sepals with open aestivation

Answer: B. Five united sepals with valvate aestivation, usually persistent

Explanation:
The calyx of Solanaceae generally consists of five united sepals. It is gamosepalous, commonly shows valvate aestivation, and is usually persistent.

The persistent calyx can remain attached to the fruit, as seen in several Solanaceae members.

Q218. Which feature distinguishes the leaves of Liliaceae from those of many Fabaceae members?

A. Liliaceae generally has parallel venation, whereas Fabaceae commonly has reticulate venation
B. Liliaceae always has compound leaves
C. Fabaceae always has parallel venation
D. Liliaceae leaves are always stipulate

Answer: A. Liliaceae generally has parallel venation, whereas Fabaceae commonly has reticulate venation

Explanation:
Liliaceae is a monocot family, and its leaves generally show parallel venation.

Fabaceae is a dicot family, and its leaves generally show reticulate venation.

This difference is useful when distinguishing monocot and dicot family characters.

Q219. Which one of the following correctly identifies the type of symmetry of a typical Fabaceae flower?

A. Actinomorphic
B. Zygomorphic
C. Asymmetric
D. Radially asymmetric

Answer: B. Zygomorphic

Explanation:
The typical flower of Fabaceae is zygomorphic, meaning it can generally be divided into two equal halves through only one particular vertical plane.

Its papilionaceous corolla—with standard, wings and keel—produces the characteristic bilateral symmetry.

In contrast:

Solanaceae → generally actinomorphic

Liliaceae → generally actinomorphic

Q220. Which of the following correctly compares the floral symmetry and merosity of the three families?

A. Fabaceae — zygomorphic; Solanaceae — actinomorphic and pentamerous; Liliaceae — actinomorphic and trimerous
B. Fabaceae — actinomorphic and trimerous; Solanaceae — zygomorphic; Liliaceae — pentamerous
C. Fabaceae — actinomorphic and pentamerous; Solanaceae — zygomorphic; Liliaceae — tetramerous
D. Fabaceae — zygomorphic and trimerous; Solanaceae — actinomorphic and dimerous; Liliaceae — pentamerous

Answer: A. Fabaceae — zygomorphic; Solanaceae — actinomorphic and pentamerous; Liliaceae — actinomorphic and trimerous

Explanation:

Fabaceae

Zygomorphic

Generally pentamerous

Papilionaceous corolla

Solanaceae

Actinomorphic

Generally pentamerous

Five united petals

Liliaceae

Actinomorphic

Trimerous

Six tepals arranged as 3 + 3

Therefore, Option A correctly compares all three families.

Q221. Which of the following correctly describes the corolla of a typical Solanaceae flower?

A. Five free petals forming a papilionaceous corolla
B. Five united petals forming a gamopetalous corolla
C. Six free tepals arranged in two whorls
D. One standard, two wings and two keel petals

Answer: B. Five united petals forming a gamopetalous corolla

Explanation:
In Solanaceae, the corolla generally consists of five united petals, making it gamopetalous. The corolla may form a rotate, funnel-shaped or tubular structure depending on the genus.

Papilionaceous corolla → Fabaceae

Six tepals → Liliaceae

Q222. Which of the following correctly identifies the number and arrangement of stamens in typical Fabaceae?

A. 5, epipetalous
B. 6, epiphyllous
C. 10, generally diadelphous as 9 + 1
D. 4, didynamous

Answer: C. 10, generally diadelphous as 9 + 1

Explanation:
The typical androecium of Fabaceae consists of 10 stamens. They are commonly diadelphous, with nine stamens united into one group and the tenth remaining free:

(9) + 1

This is one of the most important diagnostic characters of Fabaceae.

Q223. In a typical Solanaceae flower, the stamens are positioned:

A. Opposite to the petals and free from them
B. Alternate with the petals and epipetalous
C. On the tepals and arranged in two whorls
D. United into two bundles of 5 each

Answer: B. Alternate with the petals and epipetalous

Explanation:
Solanaceae generally has five stamens. They are:

Epipetalous → attached to the petals

Alternipetalous → alternate with the petals

Usually dithecous

This arrangement is an important family-identification feature.

Q224. Which of the following correctly describes the gynoecium of Liliaceae?

A. Monocarpellary and apocarpous
B. Bicarpellary and monocarpous
C. Tricarpellary and syncarpous
D. Pentacarpellary and apocarpous

Answer: C. Tricarpellary and syncarpous

Explanation:
The typical gynoecium of Liliaceae consists of three fused carpels, hence it is:

Tricarpellary + syncarpous

The ovary is generally superior and usually trilocular, with axile placentation.

Q225. Which of the following correctly compares the type of ovary and placentation in Fabaceae, Solanaceae and Liliaceae?

A. Fabaceae — superior, marginal; Solanaceae — superior, axile; Liliaceae — superior, axile
B. Fabaceae — inferior, marginal; Solanaceae — inferior, axile; Liliaceae — superior, basal
C. Fabaceae — superior, axile; Solanaceae — superior, marginal; Liliaceae — inferior, parietal
D. Fabaceae — inferior, axile; Solanaceae — superior, free central; Liliaceae — inferior, marginal

Answer: A. Fabaceae — superior, marginal; Solanaceae — superior, axile; Liliaceae — superior, axile

Explanation:

Fabaceae

Ovary → superior

Usually monocarpellary

Placentation → marginal

Solanaceae

Ovary → superior

Bicarpellary and syncarpous

Placentation → axile

Liliaceae

Ovary → superior

Tricarpellary and syncarpous

Placentation → axile

Therefore, Option A is correct.

PLANT FAMILIES — FINAL HIGH-YIELD REVISION & LEFTOVER MICRO-TOPICS

1. Fabaceae — Final High-Yield Revision

Identification

Fabaceae = Papilionaceous + Vexillary + Diadelphous + Marginal + Legume

Important characters

Usually herbs, shrubs or trees.

Root system generally tap root.

Root nodules commonly contain Rhizobium.

Leaves generally alternate and stipulate.

Leaves are often compound.

Tendrils may occur in some members.

Flowers are generally bisexual, complete, hypogynous and zygomorphic.

Calyx consists of 5 united sepals.

Corolla is papilionaceous.

One large petal → standard/vexillum.

Two lateral petals → wings.

Two anterior petals → keel.

Aestivation → vexillary/descending imbricate.

Stamens → generally 10, diadelphous (9+1).

Gynoecium → monocarpellary.

Ovary → superior and unilocular.

Placentation → marginal.

Fruit → legume/pod.

Important examples

Pea → Pisum sativum

Gram/chickpea → Cicer arietinum

Groundnut → Arachis hypogaea

Soybean → Glycine max

Pigeon pea → Cajanus cajan

Sunhemp → Crotalaria juncea

Indigo → Indigofera

Economic importance

Pulses → gram, pea, pigeon pea

Oil → groundnut, soybean

Fibre → sunhemp

Dye → indigo

Fodder → several legumes

Soil fertility → nitrogen fixation

2. Solanaceae — Final High-Yield Revision

Identification

Solanaceae = Actinomorphic + Gamopetalous + 5 Epipetalous + Axile + Berry/Capsule

Important characters

Herbs, shrubs or small trees.

Root system generally tap root.

Stem may be herbaceous or woody.

Potato develops an underground stem tuber.

Leaves generally alternate, simple and exstipulate.

Venation generally reticulate.

Flowers are generally bisexual, complete, actinomorphic and hypogynous.

Calyx → 5 united sepals.

Calyx aestivation → generally valvate.

Calyx is usually persistent.

Corolla → 5 united petals.

Corolla is gamopetalous.

Stamens → 5.

Stamens → epipetalous.

Stamens are generally alternate with the petals.

Gynoecium → bicarpellary and syncarpous.

Ovary → superior.

Ovary generally bilocular.

Placentation → axile.

Fruit → generally berry or capsule.

Important examples

Potato → Solanum tuberosum

Tomato → Solanum lycopersicum

Brinjal → Solanum melongena

Chilli → Capsicum

Tobacco → Nicotiana

Datura → Datura

Petunia → Petunia

Ashwagandha → Withania

Economic importance

Food → potato, tomato, brinjal, chilli

Medicine → several members contain important alkaloids

Tobacco → Nicotiana

Ornamentals → Petunia, Datura

3. Liliaceae — Final High-Yield Revision

Identification

Liliaceae = Monocot + Trimerous + 6 Tepals + 6 Epiphyllous + Axile

Important characters

Mostly perennial herbs.

Root system → fibrous/adventitious.

Underground stems may occur as bulbs, rhizomes or other storage structures.

Onion has a bulb.

Leaves are generally simple and exstipulate.

Leaves commonly show parallel venation.

Flowers are generally bisexual, complete, actinomorphic and hypogynous.

Flowers are typically trimerous.

Perianth → 6 tepals (3+3).

Tepals are usually similar in appearance.

Stamens → 6 (3+3).

Stamens → generally epiphyllous.

Gynoecium → tricarpellary and syncarpous.

Ovary → superior.

Usually trilocular.

Placentation → axile.

Fruit → generally capsule, sometimes berry.

Important examples

Lily → Lilium

Tulip → Tulipa

Onion → Allium cepa

Garlic → Allium sativum

Aloe → Aloe

Asparagus → Asparagus

Colchicum → Colchicum

Economic importance

Onion → food

Garlic → food and medicinal uses

Aloe → medicinal/cosmetic uses

Colchicum → source of colchicine

Lily and tulip → ornamentals

4. Most Important Three-Family Comparison

Character	Fabaceae	Solanaceae	Liliaceae
Major group	Dicot	Dicot	Monocot
Symmetry	Zygomorphic	Actinomorphic	Actinomorphic
Merosity	Usually pentamerous	Pentamerous	Trimerous
Corolla/perianth	Papilionaceous	Gamopetalous	6 tepals
Aestivation	Vexillary	Valvate	Usually imbricate/varied
Stamens	10, generally 9+1	5	6
Stamen attachment	Diadelphous	Epipetalous	Epiphyllous
Carpels	1	2	3
Ovary	Superior	Superior	Superior
Placentation	Marginal	Axile	Axile
Fruit	Legume	Berry/capsule	Capsule/berry

5. Commonly Confused Points

Fabaceae vs Solanaceae

Fabaceae
→ zygomorphic
→ papilionaceous
→ vexillary
→ 10 stamens
→ diadelphous
→ monocarpellary
→ marginal
→ legume

Solanaceae
→ actinomorphic
→ gamopetalous
→ 5 stamens
→ epipetalous
→ bicarpellary syncarpous
→ axile
→ berry/capsule

Solanaceae vs Liliaceae

Solanaceae
→ dicot
→ pentamerous
→ 5 petals
→ 5 stamens
→ epipetalous

Liliaceae
→ monocot
→ trimerous
→ 6 tepals
→ 6 stamens
→ epiphyllous

6. Scientific Names Worth Memorising

Common name	Scientific name	Family
Pea	Pisum sativum	Fabaceae
Gram	Cicer arietinum	Fabaceae
Groundnut	Arachis hypogaea	Fabaceae
Soybean	Glycine max	Fabaceae
Pigeon pea	Cajanus cajan	Fabaceae
Potato	Solanum tuberosum	Solanaceae
Tomato	Solanum lycopersicum	Solanaceae
Brinjal	Solanum melongena	Solanaceae
Tobacco	Nicotiana	Solanaceae
Chilli	Capsicum	Solanaceae
Onion	Allium cepa	Liliaceae
Garlic	Allium sativum	Liliaceae
Lily	Lilium	Liliaceae
Tulip	Tulipa	Liliaceae
Aloe	Aloe	Liliaceae

7. Final One-Line Memory Tricks

Fabaceae:
“Papilionaceous – Vexillary – 9+1 – Marginal – Legume.”

Solanaceae:
“5 petals – 5 epipetalous stamens – Axile – Berry/Capsule.”

Liliaceae:
“3+3 tepals – 3+3 stamens – Epiphyllous – Axile.”

8. Leftover Micro-Topics — Final Checklist

Before closing this chapter, remember these smaller but potentially testable details:

Potato eye → axillary bud
Potato → modified stem tuber
Onion → bulb
Groundnut → geocarpic
Fabaceae root nodules → commonly associated with Rhizobium
Fabaceae → papilionaceous corolla
Standard → vexillum
Lateral petals → wings
Two anterior petals → keel
Fabaceae → vexillary aestivation
Fabaceae → generally diadelphous
Solanaceae → epipetalous stamens
Liliaceae → epiphyllous stamens
Fabaceae → marginal placentation
Solanaceae → axile placentation
Liliaceae → axile placentation
Solanaceae → persistent calyx
Liliaceae → parallel venation
Fabaceae → generally stipulate leaves
Solanaceae → generally exstipulate leaves
Liliaceae → generally exstipulate leaves
Fabaceae → monocarpellary
Solanaceae → bicarpellary syncarpous
Liliaceae → tricarpellary syncarpous
Fabaceae → legume
Solanaceae → berry/capsule
Liliaceae → capsule/berry

Q226. NEET 2023 — Previous Year Question

Family Fabaceae differs from Solanaceae and Liliaceae with respect to its stamens. Which combination is characteristic specifically of Fabaceae?

A. Polyadelphous and epipetalous stamens
B. Monadelphous and monothecous anthers
C. Epiphyllous and dithecous stamens
D. Diadelphous and dithecous stamens

Answer: D. Diadelphous and dithecous stamens

Explanation:
Fabaceae characteristically has 10 stamens, commonly arranged as 9+1 and diadelphous, with dithecous anthers. Solanaceae has epipetalous stamens, whereas Liliaceae has epiphyllous stamens. Therefore, option D is correct.

Q227. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A student observes a flower having the following combination of characters:

Zygomorphic and bisexual
Papilionaceous corolla
Vexillary aestivation
Stamens arranged as 9+1
Monocarpellary superior ovary

The flower most likely belongs to:

A. Solanaceae
B. Liliaceae
C. Fabaceae
D. Brassicaceae

Answer: C. Fabaceae

Explanation:
The combination of zygomorphic flower + papilionaceous corolla + vexillary aestivation + 9+1 diadelphous stamens + monocarpellary superior ovary is characteristic of Fabaceae.

This combination is more useful for identification than relying on any single character.

Q228. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which of the following combinations correctly distinguishes Solanaceae from Liliaceae?

A. Both are monocotyledonous and have six tepals
B. Solanaceae generally has five epipetalous stamens, whereas Liliaceae generally has six epiphyllous stamens
C. Solanaceae has diadelphous stamens, whereas Liliaceae has monadelphous stamens
D. Solanaceae has marginal placentation, whereas Liliaceae has free-central placentation

Answer: B. Solanaceae generally has five epipetalous stamens, whereas Liliaceae generally has six epiphyllous stamens

Explanation:
Solanaceae is a dicot family with generally five epipetalous stamens. Liliaceae is a monocot family with generally six stamens, arranged in two whorls of three, and they are usually epiphyllous.

Q229. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A plant has parallel venation, trimerous flowers, six tepals, six epiphyllous stamens, and a tricarpellary syncarpous superior ovary. Which additional feature would most strongly support its identification as a member of Liliaceae?

A. Papilionaceous corolla with vexillary aestivation
B. Usually axile placentation
C. Ten stamens arranged as 9+1
D. Monocarpellary ovary with marginal placentation

Answer: B. Usually axile placentation

Explanation:
The given characters strongly indicate Liliaceae. Its gynoecium is generally tricarpellary and syncarpous, with a superior ovary and axile placentation.

The other options describe characteristic features of Fabaceae.

Q230. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Consider the following statements:

Potato is a modified stem.
The eyes of potato represent axillary buds.
Onion is a modified root.
Groundnut is associated with geocarpy.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B. 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 — Correct: Potato is a modified underground stem called a tuber.

Statement 2 — Correct: The eyes of potato are axillary buds.

Statement 3 — Incorrect: Onion is a modified underground stem (bulb), not a root.

Statement 4 — Correct: Groundnut shows geocarpy, in which the developing fruit is carried underground.

Therefore, 1, 2 and 4 are correct.

Q231. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Consider the following statements about Fabaceae:

The corolla is papilionaceous.
The posterior petal is called the standard or vexillum.
The two lateral petals are called wings.
The two anterior petals form the keel.
The keel encloses the reproductive organs.

Which of the following is correct?

A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Explanation:
The papilionaceous corolla of Fabaceae consists of:

One large posterior standard/vexillum

Two lateral wings

Two anterior petals forming the keel

The keel generally encloses the androecium and gynoecium. The arrangement is associated with vexillary aestivation.

Q232. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A flower has the following floral organization:

Actinomorphic

Bisexual

Pentamerous

Gamopetalous

Five epipetalous stamens

Bicarpellary, syncarpous, superior ovary

Axile placentation

Which combination of family and fruit type is most appropriate?

A. Fabaceae — Legume
B. Solanaceae — Berry or capsule
C. Liliaceae — Capsule only
D. Fabaceae — Caryopsis

Answer: B. Solanaceae — Berry or capsule

Explanation:
The combination is characteristic of Solanaceae. Its flowers are generally actinomorphic and pentamerous, with a gamopetalous corolla and five epipetalous stamens. The gynoecium is generally bicarpellary and syncarpous with a superior ovary and axile placentation. The fruit may be a berry or capsule.

Q233. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Match Column I with Column II.

Column I	Column II
P. Fabaceae	1. Epiphyllous stamens
Q. Solanaceae	2. Diadelphous stamens
R. Liliaceae	3. Epipetalous stamens
S. Fabaceae	4. Marginal placentation

Which option gives the correct matching?

A. P–2, Q–3, R–1, S–4
B. P–3, Q–2, R–1, S–4
C. P–2, Q–1, R–3, S–4
D. P–4, Q–3, R–2, S–1

Answer: A. P–2, Q–3, R–1, S–4

Explanation:

Fabaceae → diadelphous stamens

Solanaceae → epipetalous stamens

Liliaceae → epiphyllous stamens

Fabaceae → marginal placentation

This combination is a useful family-identification framework.

Q234. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A student is given three unknown flowering plants:

Plant X: papilionaceous corolla, marginal placentation and legume fruit.

Plant Y: gamopetalous corolla, epipetalous stamens and axile placentation.

Plant Z: six tepals, six epiphyllous stamens and trimerous flower.

Which sequence correctly identifies X, Y and Z?

A. Solanaceae, Fabaceae, Liliaceae
B. Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Liliaceae
C. Fabaceae, Liliaceae, Solanaceae
D. Liliaceae, Solanaceae, Fabaceae

Answer: B. Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Liliaceae

Explanation:
Plant X → Fabaceae: papilionaceous corolla, marginal placentation and legume fruit.

Plant Y → Solanaceae: gamopetalous corolla, five epipetalous stamens and axile placentation.

Plant Z → Liliaceae: monocot family with trimerous flowers, six tepals and six epiphyllous stamens.

Q235. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which statement correctly explains why potato is classified as a stem modification rather than a root modification?

A. Potato stores starch in its underground portion.
B. Potato develops underground and therefore must be a root.
C. Potato possesses nodes and axillary buds represented by its eyes.
D. Potato lacks any recognizable stem characters.

Answer: C. Potato possesses nodes and axillary buds represented by its eyes.

Explanation:
The decisive morphological evidence is that a potato tuber has nodes and axillary buds, called eyes. These buds can produce new shoots. Therefore, potato is a modified underground stem, specifically a tuber.

Simply being underground or storing food does not make an organ a root.

QUICK REVISION FROM Q231–Q235

Fabaceae:
Papilionaceous → vexillary → standard + wings + keel → diadelphous → marginal placentation → legume.

Solanaceae:
Actinomorphic → gamopetalous → 5 epipetalous stamens → bicarpellary syncarpous ovary → axile placentation → berry/capsule.

Liliaceae:
Monocot → trimerous → 6 tepals → 6 epiphyllous stamens → tricarpellary syncarpous ovary → axile placentation → capsule/berry.

Modification clue:
Potato → tuber → underground stem → eyes = axillary buds.

Q236. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Assertion–Reason

Assertion (A): In Fabaceae, the standard petal is usually the largest petal of the papilionaceous corolla.

Reason (R): In vexillary aestivation, the standard overlaps the two wings, and the wings overlap the keel.

Choose the correct answer:

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:
The standard or vexillum is characteristically the largest petal in a papilionaceous corolla. The reason correctly describes the overlapping relationship in vexillary aestivation, but this arrangement does not explain why the standard is the largest petal.

Q237. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Assertion–Reason

Assertion (A): Potato is considered a stem modification.

Reason (R): The eyes of potato are axillary buds arranged at nodes of the tuber.

Choose the correct answer:

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:
The presence of nodes and axillary buds is a fundamental stem character. In potato, these buds appear externally as eyes. Thus, the reason directly supports the identification of potato as a modified stem.

Q238. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Consider the following statements:

Papilionaceous corolla is characteristic of Fabaceae.
The stamens of Fabaceae are commonly arranged in a 9+1 configuration.
The ovary of Fabaceae is generally monocarpellary.
Fabaceae generally shows axile placentation.

Which statements are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B. 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:
Fabaceae generally has:

Papilionaceous corolla

10 stamens, commonly 9+1 and diadelphous

Monocarpellary, unilocular superior ovary

Marginal placentation

Therefore, statement 4 is incorrect because axile placentation is characteristic of Solanaceae and Liliaceae, not Fabaceae.

Q239. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A botanist identifies a plant with the following combination:

Herbaceous habit

Alternate simple exstipulate leaves

Bisexual, actinomorphic flowers

Five united sepals

Five united petals

Five epipetalous stamens

Bicarpellary syncarpous superior ovary

Axile placentation

Which additional observation would most strongly support its identification?

A. Fruit is commonly a berry or capsule.
B. Corolla is papilionaceous.
C. Stamens are generally 9+1 and diadelphous.
D. Flowers are distinctly trimerous.

Answer: A. Fruit is commonly a berry or capsule.

Explanation:
The given combination is characteristic of Solanaceae. Its fruit is commonly a berry or capsule.

Examples include:

Tomato → berry

Brinjal → berry

Potato → berry botanically, although its underground tuber is the economically important organ

Datura → capsule

The other options represent Fabaceae or Liliaceae characters.

Q240. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Match the following

Column I	Column II
P. Potato	1. Bulb
Q. Onion	2. Tuber
R. Groundnut	3. Geocarpy
S. Colchicum	4. Medicinally important Liliaceae member

Select the correct combination:

A. P–2, Q–1, R–3, S–4
B. P–1, Q–2, R–3, S–4
C. P–2, Q–3, R–1, S–4
D. P–3, Q–1, R–2, S–4

Answer: A. P–2, Q–1, R–3, S–4

Explanation:

Potato → tuber

Onion → bulb

Groundnut → geocarpy

Colchicum → medicinally important member traditionally placed in Liliaceae

These associations are useful for application-based questions because they combine plant modifications, family identification and economic importance.

QUICK REVISION — Q236–Q240

Concept	Key Point
Standard/vexillum	Largest petal of papilionaceous corolla
Vexillary aestivation	Standard overlaps wings; wings overlap keel
Potato	Modified stem
Potato eyes	Axillary buds
Fabaceae ovary	Monocarpellary
Fabaceae placentation	Marginal
Solanaceae fruit	Berry or capsule
Onion	Bulb
Groundnut	Geocarpic
Colchicum	Medicinally important traditional Liliaceae member

Q241. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A flower possesses six tepals arranged in two whorls of three, six stamens attached to the tepals, and a tricarpellary syncarpous superior ovary. Which combination best identifies the family?

A. Fabaceae — papilionaceous corolla
B. Solanaceae — gamopetalous corolla
C. Liliaceae — epiphyllous stamens
D. Brassicaceae — tetradynamous stamens

Answer: C. Liliaceae — epiphyllous stamens

Explanation:
The presence of six tepals arranged as 3+3, six epiphyllous stamens, and a tricarpellary syncarpous superior ovary is characteristic of Liliaceae in the traditional NCERT treatment.

Q242. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which one of the following combinations contains only correct family–character associations?

A. Fabaceae — axile placentation; Solanaceae — marginal placentation; Liliaceae — free-central placentation
B. Fabaceae — marginal placentation; Solanaceae — axile placentation; Liliaceae — axile placentation
C. Fabaceae — basal placentation; Solanaceae — marginal placentation; Liliaceae — parietal placentation
D. Fabaceae — free-central placentation; Solanaceae — basal placentation; Liliaceae — marginal placentation

Answer: B. Fabaceae — marginal placentation; Solanaceae — axile placentation; Liliaceae — axile placentation

Explanation:
The standard NEET family comparison is:

Fabaceae → marginal placentation

Solanaceae → axile placentation

Liliaceae → axile placentation

The distinction between marginal in Fabaceae and axile in Solanaceae/Liliaceae is particularly important.

Q243. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A student is given a flower with a superior, unilocular, monocarpellary ovary containing numerous ovules arranged along the ventral suture. Which family is most likely represented?

A. Fabaceae
B. Solanaceae
C. Liliaceae
D. Asteraceae

Answer: A. Fabaceae

Explanation:
Fabaceae generally has a monocarpellary, unilocular, superior ovary with marginal placentation. The numerous ovules are arranged along the ventral suture/margin of the single carpel.

Solanaceae and Liliaceae have syncarpous, multicarpellary ovaries with axile placentation.

Q244. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which sequence correctly represents the progression from corolla type → androecium → gynoecium → fruit in Fabaceae?

A. Papilionaceous → diadelphous → monocarpellary → legume
B. Gamopetalous → epipetalous → bicarpellary → berry
C. Tepaloid → epiphyllous → tricarpellary → capsule
D. Cruciform → tetradynamous → bicarpellary → siliqua

Answer: A. Papilionaceous → diadelphous → monocarpellary → legume

Explanation:
Fabaceae is characterized by a papilionaceous corolla, generally diadelphous stamens (9+1), a monocarpellary superior ovary, and a legume as the characteristic fruit.

Q245. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Assertion–Reason

Assertion (A): Solanaceae and Liliaceae both generally show axile placentation.

Reason (R): In both families, the ovary is generally syncarpous and divided internally into locules by septa.

Choose the correct answer:

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:
In both Solanaceae and Liliaceae, the gynoecium is generally syncarpous and the superior ovary is divided into locules by septa. The ovules arise from the central axis, giving axile placentation.

This provides an important contrast with Fabaceae, where the monocarpellary ovary generally shows marginal placentation.

HIGH-YIELD TAKEAWAY — Q241–Q245

Fabaceae

Papilionaceous corolla

Vexillary aestivation

10 stamens, usually 9+1

Diadelphous

Monocarpellary ovary

Marginal placentation

Legume

Solanaceae

Gamopetalous corolla

5 epipetalous stamens

Bicarpellary syncarpous ovary

Axile placentation

Berry/capsule

Liliaceae

6 tepals in 3+3 arrangement

6 epiphyllous stamens

Tricarpellary syncarpous ovary

Axile placentation

Capsule/berry

PLANT FAMILIES — ADVANCED MIXED QUESTIONS

Q246. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A plant has zygomorphic, bisexual and hypogynous flowers with a papilionaceous corolla. The stamens are 10 in number, with nine united and one free. Which combination correctly identifies its family and characteristic fruit?

A. Solanaceae — Berry
B. Liliaceae — Capsule
C. Fabaceae — Legume
D. Brassicaceae — Siliqua

Answer: C. Fabaceae — Legume

Explanation:
The combination of zygomorphic flower + papilionaceous corolla + 10 stamens arranged as 9+1 is characteristic of Fabaceae. Its characteristic fruit is a legume or pod.

Q247. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which of the following is the best distinguishing combination for Solanaceae?

A. Zygomorphic flower + papilionaceous corolla + diadelphous stamens
B. Actinomorphic flower + gamopetalous corolla + five epipetalous stamens
C. Trimerous flower + six tepals + six epiphyllous stamens
D. Zygomorphic flower + tetradynamous stamens + siliqua

Answer: B. Actinomorphic flower + gamopetalous corolla + five epipetalous stamens

Explanation:
Solanaceae generally possesses actinomorphic, bisexual, pentamerous flowers, a gamopetalous corolla, and five epipetalous stamens.

Option A describes Fabaceae, while option C describes Liliaceae.

Q248. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Consider the following statements regarding Liliaceae:

It is traditionally treated as a monocotyledonous family.
Flowers are generally trimerous.
Perianth consists of six tepals.
Stamens are generally epiphyllous.
Ovary is generally tricarpellary and syncarpous.

Which of the following is correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Explanation:
All five statements correctly describe the traditional Liliaceae treatment used in standard NEET-level morphology:

Monocotyledonous

Trimerous flowers

Six tepals

Six epiphyllous stamens

Tricarpellary, syncarpous gynoecium

Q249. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A student incorrectly states:

“All underground food-storing plant organs are roots.”

Which observation provides the strongest direct evidence against this statement?

A. Underground organs always absorb water.
B. Potato tuber possesses eyes that represent axillary buds.
C. Roots can store food.
D. Underground organs are generally non-green.

Answer: B. Potato tuber possesses eyes that represent axillary buds.

Explanation:
The presence of nodes and axillary buds is a characteristic stem feature. Potato tuber has eyes, each representing a bud associated with a node. Therefore, potato is a modified stem, despite being underground and storing food.

This is an important application of morphology rather than simply memorising “potato = stem.”

Q250. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Match the following economic products with their appropriate family/member:

Column I	Column II
P. Soybean	1. Fabaceae
Q. Tobacco	2. Solanaceae
R. Onion	3. Liliaceae
S. Indigo	4. Fabaceae

Which combination is correct?

A. P–1, Q–2, R–3, S–4
B. P–2, Q–1, R–3, S–4
C. P–1, Q–3, R–2, S–4
D. P–3, Q–2, R–1, S–4

Answer: A. P–1, Q–2, R–3, S–4

Explanation:

Soybean → Fabaceae

Tobacco → Solanaceae

Onion → Liliaceae in the traditional NCERT treatment

Indigo → Fabaceae

Economic importance can therefore also help in identifying members of these families.

RAPID REVISION — Q246–Q250

Family	Key identification
Fabaceae	Zygomorphic + papilionaceous + 9+1 stamens + legume
Solanaceae	Actinomorphic + gamopetalous + 5 epipetalous stamens
Liliaceae	Trimerous + 6 tepals + 6 epiphyllous stamens
Potato	Underground stem tuber; eyes = axillary buds
Soybean	Fabaceae
Tobacco	Solanaceae
Onion	Liliaceae in traditional NCERT treatment
Indigo	Fabaceae

PLANT FAMILIES — ADVANCED MIXED QUESTIONS

Q251. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A flower has a papilionaceous corolla, but its stamens are found to be 10, all united into a single bundle. Which conclusion is most appropriate?

A. This is the normal androecium of Fabaceae.
B. The flower cannot belong to Fabaceae because its characteristic staminal condition is generally diadelphous.
C. The flower must belong to Liliaceae.
D. The flower must have a tricarpellary ovary.

Answer: B. The flower cannot belong to Fabaceae because its characteristic staminal condition is generally diadelphous.

Explanation:
Fabaceae generally has 10 stamens, commonly arranged as 9+1 and diadelphous. Therefore, a monadelphous condition would not represent the typical Fabaceae androecium.

The question tests whether a student can distinguish a major family character from a superficially matching character.

Q252. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A plant shows the following features:

Leaves with parallel venation

Flowers with three sepals and three petals

Six stamens

Three fused carpels

Superior ovary

Which additional feature would be most consistent with this plant?

A. Stamens epiphyllous
B. Stamens arranged as 9+1
C. Papilionaceous corolla
D. Monocarpellary ovary

Answer: A. Stamens epiphyllous

Explanation:
The given characters indicate a monocotyledonous, trimerous flower, consistent with Liliaceae. Liliaceae generally has six stamens arranged in two whorls of three, and the stamens are usually epiphyllous, meaning attached to the tepals.

Q253. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which of the following observations would allow a student to distinguish Fabaceae from both Solanaceae and Liliaceae most reliably?

A. Presence of a superior ovary
B. Presence of bisexual flowers
C. Presence of marginal placentation in a monocarpellary ovary
D. Presence of a complete flower

Answer: C. Presence of marginal placentation in a monocarpellary ovary

Explanation:
A superior ovary, bisexual flowers and complete flowers occur in all three families in their typical descriptions and therefore do not distinguish Fabaceae effectively.

Fabaceae is distinguished by its monocarpellary, unilocular superior ovary with marginal placentation, whereas Solanaceae and Liliaceae generally have syncarpous ovaries with axile placentation.

Q254. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Assertion–Reason

Assertion (A): The same type of placentation cannot be used alone to distinguish Solanaceae from Liliaceae.

Reason (R): Both families generally possess axile placentation.

Choose the correct answer:

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:
Both Solanaceae and Liliaceae generally show axile placentation. Therefore, placentation by itself does not reliably distinguish these two families.

Other characters should be considered, such as:

Solanaceae → 5 epipetalous stamens, gamopetalous corolla

Liliaceae → 6 epiphyllous stamens, six tepals, trimerous organisation

Q255. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A student receives four specimens:

Specimen P: Pea
Specimen Q: Tomato
Specimen R: Lily
Specimen S: Groundnut

Which pair belongs to the same family but differs in their economically important products?

A. P and Q
B. Q and R
C. P and S
D. R and Q

Answer: C. P and S

Explanation:

Pea (Pisum sativum) → Fabaceae

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) → Fabaceae

They belong to the same family. Pea is primarily important as a pulse/vegetable, while groundnut is important as an oilseed and food crop.

Tomato belongs to Solanaceae and lily to Liliaceae.

HIGH-YIELD APPLICATION POINTS

1. One character is often insufficient

For family identification, combine:
habit + leaves + floral symmetry + corolla/perianth + stamens + gynoecium + placentation + fruit.

2. Most useful distinguishing characters

Fabaceae
→ papilionaceous
→ vexillary
→ 9+1, diadelphous
→ monocarpellary
→ marginal
→ legume

Solanaceae
→ actinomorphic
→ gamopetalous
→ 5 epipetalous
→ bicarpellary syncarpous
→ axile
→ berry/capsule

Liliaceae
→ trimerous
→ 6 tepals
→ 6 epiphyllous
→ tricarpellary syncarpous
→ axile
→ capsule/berry

3. Important examination trap

Axile placentation occurs in both Solanaceae and Liliaceae.

Therefore, axile placentation alone does not identify the family.

Q256. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A specimen has the following characters:

Leaves are generally stipulate.
Flowers are zygomorphic.
Corolla is papilionaceous.
Stamens are commonly diadelphous.
Ovary is monocarpellary and superior.
Fruit is a legume.

Which family is represented?

A. Solanaceae
B. Liliaceae
C. Fabaceae
D. Poaceae

Answer: C. Fabaceae

Explanation:
The combination of stipulate leaves, zygomorphic flowers, papilionaceous corolla, diadelphous stamens, monocarpellary superior ovary and legume fruit is characteristic of Fabaceae.

The combination is much more diagnostic than any individual character.

Q257. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which one of the following pairs is incorrectly matched?

A. Fabaceae — Vexillary aestivation
B. Solanaceae — Valvate aestivation of calyx
C. Liliaceae — Trimerous flowers
D. Fabaceae — Epiphyllous stamens

Answer: D. Fabaceae — Epiphyllous stamens

Explanation:
Epiphyllous stamens are characteristic of Liliaceae, where the six stamens are generally attached to the tepals.

Fabaceae generally has diadelphous stamens, while Solanaceae generally has epipetalous stamens.

Q258. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Consider the following statements about Solanaceae:

The calyx is generally persistent.
The corolla is generally gamopetalous.
The stamens are generally five and epipetalous.
The ovary is generally bicarpellary and syncarpous.
The fruit is always a capsule.

Which statements are correct?

A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: B. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

Explanation:
Statements 1–4 correctly describe Solanaceae.

Statement 5 is incorrect because Solanaceae produces berry or capsule, depending on the member.

Examples:

Tomato → berry

Brinjal → berry

Datura → capsule

Q259. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A student observes a plant with simple, alternate, exstipulate leaves, parallel venation, a trimerous bisexual flower and six tepals. Which combination would provide the strongest additional evidence for Liliaceae?

A. Five epipetalous stamens and bicarpellary ovary
B. Nine united stamens and one free stamen
C. Six epiphyllous stamens and tricarpellary syncarpous ovary
D. Papilionaceous corolla and monocarpellary ovary

Answer: C. Six epiphyllous stamens and tricarpellary syncarpous ovary

Explanation:
The initial characters already indicate a monocotyledonous, trimerous plant. Liliaceae is further confirmed by:

Six epiphyllous stamens

Tricarpellary syncarpous gynoecium

Usually superior ovary

Axile placentation

Q260. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Assertion–Reason

Assertion (A): The fruit type is useful for distinguishing the three major NEET plant families, but it should not normally be used as the sole identification character.

Reason (R): Different members within the same family may produce different fruit types.

Choose the correct answer:

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:
Fruit type is useful but should be considered along with other morphological characters.

For example:

Fabaceae → generally legume

Solanaceae → berry or capsule

Liliaceae → generally capsule, sometimes berry

Because variation can occur among members, identification should use a combination of characters rather than fruit type alone.

EXAM-ORIENTED REVISION — Q256–Q260

Fabaceae

Stipulate → zygomorphic → papilionaceous → vexillary → 9+1 diadelphous → monocarpellary → marginal → legume

Solanaceae

Actinomorphic → gamopetalous → 5 epipetalous → bicarpellary syncarpous → axile → berry/capsule

Liliaceae

Monocot → trimerous → 6 tepals → 6 epiphyllous → tricarpellary syncarpous → axile → capsule/berry

Important trap

Do not confuse:

Epipetalous → Solanaceae
Epiphyllous → Liliaceae
Diadelphous → Fabaceae

PLANT FAMILIES — ADVANCED MIXED QUESTIONS

Q261. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A flower has the following characters:

Bisexual

Zygomorphic

Hypogynous

Papilionaceous corolla

Vexillary aestivation

Ten stamens

Nine stamens united and one free

Monocarpellary superior ovary

Which additional character is most likely to be present?

A. Axile placentation
B. Marginal placentation
C. Parietal placentation
D. Free-central placentation

Answer: B. Marginal placentation

Explanation:
The given combination clearly identifies Fabaceae. Its typical gynoecium consists of a single carpel forming a unilocular superior ovary, with marginal placentation.

Q262. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which of the following sets contains one characteristic from each of the three families in the correct order: Fabaceae → Solanaceae → Liliaceae?

A. Epipetalous → diadelphous → epiphyllous
B. Diadelphous → epipetalous → epiphyllous
C. Epiphyllous → epipetalous → diadelphous
D. Diadelphous → epiphyllous → epipetalous

Answer: B. Diadelphous → epipetalous → epiphyllous

Explanation:

Fabaceae → diadelphous stamens

Solanaceae → epipetalous stamens

Liliaceae → epiphyllous stamens

This is one of the most useful three-family comparison sequences for NEET.

Q263. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Assertion–Reason

Assertion (A): A tomato fruit is botanically classified as a berry.

Reason (R): Tomato develops from a superior ovary and generally has a fleshy pericarp with seeds embedded in the fruit.

Choose the correct answer:

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:
Tomato is a member of Solanaceae and its fruit is a berry. It develops from the superior ovary and becomes fleshy at maturity, with seeds embedded within the fruit.

Q264. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A student wants to identify a plant as Fabaceae rather than Solanaceae. Which combination would provide the strongest evidence?

A. Superior ovary + bisexual flower
B. Complete flower + hypogynous condition
C. Papilionaceous corolla + diadelphous stamens + marginal placentation
D. Five sepals + five petals + superior ovary

Answer: C. Papilionaceous corolla + diadelphous stamens + marginal placentation

Explanation:
Several general characters such as bisexual flowers, complete flowers and superior ovaries occur in both families and therefore have low diagnostic value.

The combination in option C is highly characteristic of Fabaceae:

Papilionaceous corolla + diadelphous stamens + marginal placentation.

Q265. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which of the following correctly pairs an economically important plant with its family and major importance?

A. Arachis hypogaea — Fabaceae — oilseed
B. Nicotiana — Liliaceae — fibre
C. Allium cepa — Solanaceae — tobacco
D. Solanum tuberosum — Fabaceae — pulse

Answer: A. Arachis hypogaea — Fabaceae — oilseed

Explanation:
Arachis hypogaea (groundnut) belongs to Fabaceae and is an important oilseed and food crop.

Other options are incorrect:

Nicotiana → Solanaceae

Allium cepa (onion) → Liliaceae in the traditional NCERT treatment

Solanum tuberosum (potato) → Solanaceae

HIGH-YIELD REVISION — Q261–Q265

Three important androecium clues

Family	Staminal character
Fabaceae	10, commonly 9+1, diadelphous
Solanaceae	5, epipetalous
Liliaceae	6, epiphyllous

Three important gynoecium clues

Family	Gynoecium	Placentation
Fabaceae	Monocarpellary	Marginal
Solanaceae	Bicarpellary, syncarpous	Axile
Liliaceae	Tricarpellary, syncarpous	Axile

Economic examples

Arachis hypogaea → Fabaceae → oilseed

Nicotiana → Solanaceae → tobacco

Solanum tuberosum → Solanaceae → tuber

Allium cepa → Liliaceae → onion

Q266. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A botanist observes a flower in which the largest petal is posterior, two smaller petals are lateral, and two anterior petals form a keel. The stamens are arranged as nine fused + one free. Which statement about the gynoecium is most appropriate?

A. It is bicarpellary and syncarpous with axile placentation.
B. It is tricarpellary and syncarpous with axile placentation.
C. It is monocarpellary with marginal placentation.
D. It is multicarpellary and apocarpous with free-central placentation.

Answer: C. It is monocarpellary with marginal placentation.

Explanation:
The floral characters identify Fabaceae. Its gynoecium is generally monocarpellary, with a superior, unilocular ovary and marginal placentation.

Q267. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A specimen has a persistent, five-lobed calyx, a gamopetalous corolla, five epipetalous stamens and a bicarpellary syncarpous superior ovary. Which feature would be least useful for distinguishing this specimen from a typical Liliaceae member?

A. Number of stamens
B. Type of staminal attachment
C. Number and arrangement of tepals/petals
D. Presence of a superior ovary

Answer: D. Presence of a superior ovary

Explanation:
A superior ovary occurs in the standard descriptions of both Solanaceae and Liliaceae, so it has relatively low diagnostic value for distinguishing them.

In contrast:

Solanaceae → 5 epipetalous stamens

Liliaceae → 6 epiphyllous stamens

Solanaceae → 5 united petals

Liliaceae → 6 tepals in two whorls

These provide stronger distinguishing evidence.

Q268. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Assertion–Reason

Assertion (A): Fabaceae and Solanaceae can both contain plants with economically important edible fruits or seeds.

Reason (R): Economic importance is not restricted to a single morphological character or a single plant organ.

Choose the correct answer:

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:
Members of different families can be economically important for different plant parts.

Examples:

Fabaceae: pea, gram, soybean, groundnut

Solanaceae: tomato, brinjal, potato

Liliaceae: onion, garlic

Thus, economic importance cannot be inferred from family morphology alone.

Q269. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A plant is identified as a monocot because of its parallel venation and trimerous flowers. Further examination shows a six-part perianth and six stamens attached to the perianth. Which conclusion is most appropriate for a NEET-level classification?

A. It is most consistent with Liliaceae.
B. It must be Fabaceae.
C. It must be Solanaceae.
D. It must be Brassicaceae.

Answer: A. It is most consistent with Liliaceae.

Explanation:
The combination of:

monocot → trimerous flower → six-part perianth → six stamens → epiphyllous attachment

is characteristic of the traditional Liliaceae description used in NEET-oriented morphology.

Q270. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which sequence represents the correct increasing number of carpels in the typical gynoecium of the three families?

Fabaceae → Solanaceae → Liliaceae

A. 1 → 2 → 3
B. 2 → 1 → 3
C. 3 → 2 → 1
D. 1 → 3 → 2

Answer: A. 1 → 2 → 3

Explanation:

Fabaceae → monocarpellary → 1 carpel

Solanaceae → bicarpellary → 2 carpels

Liliaceae → tricarpellary → 3 carpels

Thus:

Fabaceae → 1 → Solanaceae → 2 → Liliaceae → 3

This is a useful numerical memory sequence for family comparison.

RAPID MEMORY GRID — Q266–Q270

Character	Fabaceae	Solanaceae	Liliaceae
Carpels	1	2	3
Stamens	10	5	6
Placentation	Marginal	Axile	Axile
Corolla/Perianth	Papilionaceous	Gamopetalous	6 tepals
Staminal attachment	Diadelphous	Epipetalous	Epiphyllous
Floral symmetry	Zygomorphic	Actinomorphic	Actinomorphic
Merosity	Usually pentamerous	Pentamerous	Trimerous

Memory sequence:
Fabaceae = 1 carpel
Solanaceae = 2 carpels
Liliaceae = 3 carpels

Q271. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A flower has a superior ovary and is hypogynous. Its corolla consists of five fused petals, and five stamens are attached to the corolla. The stamens alternate with the petals. Which additional combination is most likely?

A. Bicarpellary syncarpous ovary and axile placentation
B. Monocarpellary ovary and marginal placentation
C. Tricarpellary syncarpous ovary and marginal placentation
D. Apocarpous ovary and free-central placentation

Answer: A. Bicarpellary syncarpous ovary and axile placentation

Explanation:
The combination of gamopetalous corolla + five epipetalous stamens points strongly toward Solanaceae. Its typical gynoecium is bicarpellary, syncarpous, superior, with axile placentation.

Q272. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A researcher wants to distinguish a typical Fabaceae flower from a typical Solanaceae flower without examining the ovary. Which combination provides the strongest evidence?

A. Bisexual + hypogynous
B. Complete + superior ovary
C. Zygomorphic + papilionaceous corolla + diadelphous stamens
D. Five sepals + five petals

Answer: C. Zygomorphic + papilionaceous corolla + diadelphous stamens

Explanation:
Several characters in options A, B and D can occur in both families. The combination in C is strongly characteristic of Fabaceae:

zygomorphic flower + papilionaceous corolla + diadelphous stamens.

Q273. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Assertion–Reason

Assertion (A): Liliaceae is readily distinguished from Fabaceae by floral symmetry and merosity.

Reason (R): Liliaceae generally has actinomorphic, trimerous flowers, whereas Fabaceae generally has zygomorphic, pentamerous flowers.

Choose the correct answer:

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:
The floral symmetry and merosity provide strong clues:

Fabaceae → generally zygomorphic and pentamerous

Liliaceae → generally actinomorphic and trimerous

Thus, the reason directly explains the assertion.

Q274. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which of the following combinations contains two characters of Fabaceae and two characters of Liliaceae, in that order?

A. Vexillary aestivation, marginal placentation; epiphyllous stamens, six tepals
B. Epipetalous stamens, axile placentation; papilionaceous corolla, diadelphous stamens
C. Gamopetalous corolla, five stamens; vexillary aestivation, marginal placentation
D. Six tepals, epiphyllous stamens; monocarpellary ovary, legume

Answer: A. Vexillary aestivation, marginal placentation; epiphyllous stamens, six tepals

Explanation:

Fabaceae:

Vexillary aestivation

Marginal placentation

Liliaceae:

Epiphyllous stamens

Six tepals

Therefore, option A correctly groups the characters.

Q275. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A plant has a fleshy underground storage organ. The structure bears distinct buds from which new aerial shoots can develop. Which inference is most appropriate if the organ is a potato tuber?

A. It is a modified tap root because it stores starch.
B. It is a modified adventitious root because it occurs underground.
C. It is a modified stem because the buds represent axillary buds.
D. It is a modified leaf because it performs storage.

Answer: C. It is a modified stem because the buds represent axillary buds.

Explanation:
The decisive evidence is the presence of eyes, which are axillary buds associated with nodes. This establishes the stem nature of the potato tuber.

The location underground and its storage function are not sufficient to classify an organ as a root.

HIGH-YIELD CONCEPT CONNECTIONS — Q271–Q275

Solanaceae identification

Gamopetalous + 5 epipetalous stamens → Solanaceae

Fabaceae identification

Zygomorphic + papilionaceous + diadelphous → Fabaceae

Liliaceae identification

Actinomorphic + trimerous + 6 tepals + epiphyllous → Liliaceae

Gynoecium sequence

Fabaceae → 1 carpel → marginal
Solanaceae → 2 carpels → axile
Liliaceae → 3 carpels → axile

Modification

Potato tuber → stem → eyes = axillary buds

Q276. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A specimen has five united sepals with valvate aestivation, a five-lobed gamopetalous corolla, and five epipetalous stamens. The ovary is bicarpellary and syncarpous. Which additional observation would most strongly support its placement in Solanaceae?

A. The ovary is superior and shows axile placentation.
B. The ovary is monocarpellary and shows marginal placentation.
C. The flower has six tepals and six epiphyllous stamens.
D. The corolla is papilionaceous.

Answer: A. The ovary is superior and shows axile placentation.

Explanation:
The given characters already strongly indicate Solanaceae. A typical Solanaceae gynoecium is bicarpellary, syncarpous and superior, with axile placentation.

The other alternatives describe Fabaceae or Liliaceae characters.

Q277. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between vexillary aestivation and the structure of a papilionaceous corolla?

A. The keel overlaps the wings, while the wings overlap the standard.
B. The standard overlaps the wings, while the wings overlap the keel.
C. All petals remain completely separate without overlap.
D. The standard is enclosed completely by the keel.

Answer: B. The standard overlaps the wings, while the wings overlap the keel.

Explanation:
In vexillary (descending imbricate) aestivation of Fabaceae:

Standard → overlaps wings → wings overlap keel.

The standard is usually the largest posterior petal, while the keel consists of the two anterior petals.

Q278. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A question gives the following clues:

Monocotyledonous plant

Perianth not differentiated into distinct sepals and petals

Six tepals

Six stamens

Three fused carpels

Superior ovary

Axile placentation

Which pair of characters would provide the strongest additional confirmation of Liliaceae?

A. Parallel venation and epiphyllous stamens
B. Reticulate venation and epipetalous stamens
C. Stipulate leaves and diadelphous stamens
D. Papilionaceous corolla and marginal placentation

Answer: A. Parallel venation and epiphyllous stamens

Explanation:
The given features indicate a typical monocot floral plan. In Liliaceae, the leaves generally show parallel venation, while the six stamens are generally epiphyllous, meaning attached to the tepals.

Q279. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which of the following represents the most appropriate family → characteristic floral feature → fruit sequence?

A. Fabaceae → papilionaceous corolla → legume
B. Solanaceae → papilionaceous corolla → siliqua
C. Liliaceae → vexillary aestivation → capsule
D. Fabaceae → gamopetalous corolla → berry

Answer: A. Fabaceae → papilionaceous corolla → legume

Explanation:
The combination in option A is characteristic of Fabaceae.

Fabaceae → papilionaceous corolla → legume

Solanaceae → gamopetalous corolla → berry/capsule

Liliaceae → six tepals → generally capsule/berry

Q280. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Assertion–Reason

Assertion (A): A plant with parallel venation should not automatically be identified as Liliaceae.

Reason (R): Parallel venation occurs in many monocotyledonous plants belonging to families other than Liliaceae.

Choose the correct answer:

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:
Parallel venation is a common monocot feature and is not exclusive to Liliaceae. Therefore, family identification should use a combination of characters, such as:

trimerous flowers + six tepals + six epiphyllous stamens + tricarpellary syncarpous ovary + axile placentation.

IMPORTANT ELIMINATION RULES — Q276–Q280

When solving a difficult family-identification question, use the following order:

Step 1 — Check monocot or dicot

Parallel venation + trimerous flower → think monocot

Reticulate venation + pentamerous flower → often dicot

Step 2 — Examine the corolla/perianth

Papilionaceous → Fabaceae

Gamopetalous → often Solanaceae

Six tepals → Liliaceae

Step 3 — Examine stamens

9+1, diadelphous → Fabaceae

5, epipetalous → Solanaceae

6, epiphyllous → Liliaceae

Step 4 — Examine gynoecium

1 carpel, marginal → Fabaceae

2 carpels, axile → Solanaceae

3 carpels, axile → Liliaceae

Q281. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A plant belonging to Fabaceae has a papilionaceous corolla. Which sequence correctly describes the petals from the posterior side toward the anterior side?

A. Wings → standard → keel
B. Standard → wings → keel
C. Keel → wings → standard
D. Standard → keel → wings

Answer: B. Standard → wings → keel

Explanation:
In a typical papilionaceous corolla:

Standard/vexillum → large posterior petal

Wings → two lateral petals

Keel → two anterior petals

The arrangement is associated with vexillary aestivation.

Q282. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which of the following combinations contains only correct statements?

Potato tuber is a modified stem.
Onion bulb is a modified underground stem.
The eyes of potato are axillary buds.
Groundnut shows geocarpy.
Tomato is botanically a berry.

A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Explanation:
All five statements are correct.

Potato → tuber, modified stem

Onion → bulb, modified underground stem

Potato eyes → axillary buds

Groundnut → geocarpy

Tomato → berry

This question integrates morphology with examples from the three families.

Q283. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A specimen has a superior ovary with axile placentation. The flower is actinomorphic and pentamerous, with five epipetalous stamens. Which of the following observations would make the identification least consistent with Solanaceae?

A. Gamopetalous corolla
B. Persistent gamosepalous calyx
C. Papilionaceous corolla
D. Bicarpellary syncarpous gynoecium

Answer: C. Papilionaceous corolla

Explanation:
A papilionaceous corolla is characteristic of Fabaceae, not Solanaceae.

Solanaceae generally has:

Gamopetalous corolla

Five epipetalous stamens

Persistent gamosepalous calyx

Bicarpellary syncarpous superior ovary

Axile placentation

Q284. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Assertion–Reason

Assertion (A): The number of stamens can be a useful diagnostic character when distinguishing Fabaceae, Solanaceae and Liliaceae.

Reason (R): The typical numbers and attachment conditions differ among these families.

Choose the correct answer:

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:

Typical patterns are:

Fabaceae → 10 stamens, commonly 9+1, diadelphous

Solanaceae → 5 stamens, epipetalous

Liliaceae → 6 stamens, epiphyllous

Thus, both number and attachment can provide strong diagnostic evidence.

Q285. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which of the following pairs contains plants that are both traditionally placed in Liliaceae in the NCERT treatment?

A. Potato and tomato
B. Pea and groundnut
C. Onion and Aloe
D. Tobacco and Datura

Answer: C. Onion and Aloe

Explanation:
In the traditional NCERT treatment of plant families:

Onion (Allium cepa) → Liliaceae

Aloe → Liliaceae

Other pairs belong to different families:

Potato and tomato → Solanaceae

Pea and groundnut → Fabaceae

Tobacco and Datura → Solanaceae

ADVANCED MEMORY TABLE — Q281–Q285

Feature	Fabaceae	Solanaceae	Liliaceae
Corolla/perianth	Papilionaceous	Gamopetalous	6 tepals
Stamens	10, usually 9+1	5	6
Attachment	Diadelphous	Epipetalous	Epiphyllous
Carpels	1	2	3
Placentation	Marginal	Axile	Axile
Typical fruit	Legume	Berry/capsule	Capsule/berry

Important examples

Fabaceae: Pea, gram, groundnut, soybean, pigeon pea, Indigofera
Solanaceae: Potato, tomato, brinjal, chilli, tobacco, Datura
Liliaceae: Lily, tulip, onion, garlic, Aloe, Asparagus, Colchicum

Q286. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A flower is described as:

Zygomorphic, bisexual, pentamerous, papilionaceous, with 10 stamens arranged as 9+1 and a monocarpellary superior ovary.

Which combination correctly completes its description?

A. Axile placentation and berry fruit
B. Marginal placentation and legume fruit
C. Parietal placentation and capsule fruit
D. Free-central placentation and capsule fruit

Answer: B. Marginal placentation and legume fruit

Explanation:
The description identifies Fabaceae. Its characteristic gynoecium is monocarpellary with marginal placentation, and the characteristic fruit is a legume.

Q287. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Consider the following simplified floral formula clues:

Actinomorphic

Bisexual

K(5)

C(5)

G(2), superior

Which additional feature would be most consistent with this floral plan?

A. Papilionaceous corolla and diadelphous stamens
B. Six tepals and six epiphyllous stamens
C. Five epipetalous stamens and axile placentation
D. Monocarpellary ovary and marginal placentation

Answer: C. Five epipetalous stamens and axile placentation

Explanation:
The formula describes the typical floral organization of Solanaceae:

Actinomorphic

Bisexual

Five united sepals

Five united petals

Five stamens

Bicarpellary syncarpous superior ovary

The stamens are generally epipetalous, and the ovary shows axile placentation.

Q288. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which combination would make a specimen least likely to belong to Liliaceae?

A. Six tepals + six epiphyllous stamens
B. Trimerous flower + parallel venation
C. Tricarpellary syncarpous ovary + axile placentation
D. Papilionaceous corolla + 9+1 diadelphous stamens

Answer: D. Papilionaceous corolla + 9+1 diadelphous stamens

Explanation:
A papilionaceous corolla with 9+1 diadelphous stamens is strongly characteristic of Fabaceae, not Liliaceae.

The other three combinations are consistent with the traditional description of Liliaceae.

Q289. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A student is asked to identify a plant using only its fruit. The specimen has a berry. Which conclusion is scientifically safest?

A. It must belong to Solanaceae.
B. It must belong to Fabaceae.
C. It must belong to Liliaceae.
D. Fruit type alone is insufficient for definitive family identification.

Answer: D. Fruit type alone is insufficient for definitive family identification.

Explanation:
Although berry is common in several Solanaceae members, such as tomato and brinjal, fruit type alone should not be used as the sole basis of family identification.

Morphological classification should use a combination of characters.

This is an important examination principle: avoid over-identification from a single character.

Q290. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Match the following

Column I	Column II
P. Fabaceae	1. Papilionaceous corolla
Q. Solanaceae	2. Five epipetalous stamens
R. Liliaceae	3. Six epiphyllous stamens
S. Fabaceae	4. Legume

Which option is correct?

A. P–1, Q–2, R–3, S–4
B. P–2, Q–1, R–3, S–4
C. P–1, Q–3, R–2, S–4
D. P–4, Q–2, R–1, S–3

Answer: A. P–1, Q–2, R–3, S–4

Explanation:

Fabaceae → papilionaceous corolla

Solanaceae → five epipetalous stamens

Liliaceae → six epiphyllous stamens

Fabaceae → legume

All four associations in option A are correct.

EXAM TRAPS TO REMEMBER — Q286–Q290

Trap 1

Berry ≠ automatically Solanaceae.
Use multiple characters for family identification.

Trap 2

Axile placentation ≠ automatically Solanaceae.
Liliaceae also generally has axile placentation.

Trap 3

Superior ovary ≠ family-specific.
It occurs in the standard descriptions of all three families.

Trap 4

The most diagnostic combinations are stronger than isolated characters:

Fabaceae:
Papilionaceous + vexillary + 9+1 + diadelphous + marginal

Solanaceae:
Gamopetalous + 5 epipetalous + bicarpellary + axile

Liliaceae:
Trimerous + 6 tepals + 6 epiphyllous + tricarpellary + axile

Q291. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A plant has stipulate, usually pinnately compound leaves, a papilionaceous corolla, and marginal placentation. Which additional feature would most strongly support its identification?

A. Five epipetalous stamens
B. Six epiphyllous stamens
C. Ten stamens, commonly arranged as 9+1
D. Three stamens opposite the outer tepals

Answer: C. Ten stamens, commonly arranged as 9+1

Explanation:
These characters strongly indicate Fabaceae. The family typically has a papilionaceous corolla and 10 stamens, commonly arranged in a 9+1 diadelphous condition. Marginal placentation is also characteristic.

Q292. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which combination correctly describes the calyx and corolla of Solanaceae?

A. Calyx 5, free; corolla 5, free
B. Calyx 5, united; corolla 5, united
C. Calyx 6, united; corolla 6, free
D. Calyx 5, free; corolla 6, united

Answer: B. Calyx 5, united; corolla 5, united

Explanation:
In the standard description of Solanaceae, the calyx consists of five united sepals, while the corolla consists of five united petals. Thus both the calyx and corolla are generally gamosepalous and gamopetalous, respectively.

Q293. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A student observes a flower with six similar perianth members arranged in two whorls of three each. The stamens are attached to the perianth, and the ovary is tricarpellary and syncarpous. Which family is most consistent with these characters?

A. Fabaceae
B. Solanaceae
C. Liliaceae
D. Brassicaceae

Answer: C. Liliaceae

Explanation:
The description is characteristic of Liliaceae:

Perianth: 6 tepals, arranged as 3+3

Androecium: 6 stamens, generally epiphyllous

Gynoecium: tricarpellary and syncarpous

Placentation: generally axile

Flowers: typically trimerous

Q294. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which of the following pairs correctly represents an economically important product and its family?

A. Soybean — Fabaceae
B. Tomato — Liliaceae
C. Onion — Solanaceae
D. Potato — Fabaceae

Answer: A. Soybean — Fabaceae

Explanation:
Soybean (Glycine max) belongs to Fabaceae and is an important protein- and oil-rich crop.

The other pairs are incorrect:

Tomato → Solanaceae

Onion → traditionally placed in Liliaceae in the standard NEET/NCERTtreatment

Potato → Solanaceae

Q295. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which statement best distinguishes the androecium of Fabaceae from that of Solanaceae?

A. Fabaceae generally has six epiphyllous stamens, whereas Solanaceae has ten stamens.
B. Fabaceae commonly has ten stamens with a 9+1 arrangement, whereas Solanaceae generally has five epipetalous stamens.
C. Both families generally have six epiphyllous stamens.
D. Both families generally have five epipetalous stamens.

Answer: B. Fabaceae commonly has ten stamens with a 9+1 arrangement, whereas Solanaceae generally has five epipetalous stamens.

Explanation:
This is an important diagnostic distinction:

Fabaceae:
→ 10 stamens
→ commonly 9+1
→ generally diadelphous

Solanaceae:
→ 5 stamens
→ epipetalous
→ alternate with the petals

This difference is frequently useful in family-identification questions.

QUICK REVISION — Q291–Q295

Family	Important clue
Fabaceae	Papilionaceous corolla + 9+1 stamens
Solanaceae	Five epipetalous stamens
Liliaceae	Six epiphyllous stamens
Fabaceae	Marginal placentation
Solanaceae	Axile placentation
Liliaceae	Axile placentation
Fabaceae	Soybean
Solanaceae	Tomato, potato
Liliaceae	Onion, lily

Q296. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A specimen has alternate, compound, stipulate leaves, a zygomorphic flower, and a vexillary arrangement of petals. Which additional combination would most strongly confirm its family?

A. Bicarpellary ovary and axile placentation
B. Monocarpellary ovary and marginal placentation
C. Tricarpellary ovary and axile placentation
D. Bicarpellary ovary and free-central placentation

Answer: B. Monocarpellary ovary and marginal placentation

Explanation:
The described features indicate Fabaceae. Its gynoecium is generally monocarpellary, with a superior unilocular ovary and marginal placentation. The fruit is typically a legume.

Q297. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which of the following combinations contains only correct associations?

A. Fabaceae — valvate calyx; Solanaceae — vexillary aestivation
B. Fabaceae — vexillary aestivation; Solanaceae — valvate calyx
C. Liliaceae — vexillary aestivation; Fabaceae — valvate calyx
D. Solanaceae — vexillary aestivation; Liliaceae — papilionaceous corolla

Answer: B. Fabaceae — vexillary aestivation; Solanaceae — valvate calyx

Explanation:
Fabaceae characteristically has vexillary (descending imbricate) aestivation in its papilionaceous corolla.

Solanaceae generally has valvate aestivation in the calyx.

The other combinations incorrectly interchange characters belonging to different families.

Q298. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

A plant has simple, exstipulate leaves with generally reticulate venation, a gamopetalous corolla, and five epipetalous stamens. Which feature would be most consistent with its gynoecium?

A. Monocarpellary ovary with marginal placentation
B. Bicarpellary syncarpous ovary with axile placentation
C. Tricarpellary syncarpous ovary with marginal placentation
D. Monocarpellary ovary with free-central placentation

Answer: B. Bicarpellary syncarpous ovary with axile placentation

Explanation:
The characters identify Solanaceae. Its gynoecium is generally:

Bicarpellary

Syncarpous

Superior

Usually bilocular

Axile placentation

Examples include tomato, brinjal, chilli and potato.

Q299. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Which observation would provide the strongest evidence that a specimen belongs to Liliaceae rather than Fabaceae?

A. Superior ovary
B. Bisexual flower
C. Six epiphyllous stamens associated with a trimerous flower
D. Axile placentation

Answer: C. Six epiphyllous stamens associated with a trimerous flower

Explanation:
A superior ovary, bisexual flowers and even axile placentation are not sufficient by themselves to distinguish the two families.

The combination of trimerous flowers + six tepals + six epiphyllous stamens is strongly characteristic of Liliaceae.

Q300. Practice MCQ — Not a PYQ

Consider the following statements:

Potato is a modified stem.
The eyes of potato represent axillary buds.
Onion is a bulb.
Groundnut exhibits geocarpy.

Which of the following is correct?

A. Only statements 1 and 2 are correct
B. Only statements 2 and 3 are correct
C. Statements 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct
D. Only statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct

Answer: C. Statements 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

Explanation:

All four statements are correct:

Potato tuber is a modified underground stem.

The eyes of potato are associated with axillary buds.

Onion forms a bulb, an underground storage structure.

Groundnut (peanut) shows geocarpy, because its developing pods are carried into the soil.

These are important application-based facts associated with morphology questions.

RAPID REVISION — Q296–Q300

Fabaceae

Vexillary → papilionaceous → 9+1 → diadelphous → monocarpellary → marginal → legume

Solanaceae

Gamopetalous → 5 epipetalous → bicarpellary syncarpous → axile → berry/capsule

Liliaceae

Trimerous → 6 tepals → 6 epiphyllous → tricarpellary syncarpous → axile → capsule/berry

Important modification facts

Potato → tuber → modified stem

Potato eyes → axillary buds

Onion → bulb

Groundnut → geocarpy

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