Q.12 Free central placentation is present in the family of

1. Brassicaceae
2. Cucurbitaceae
3. Caryophyllaceae
4. Capparaceae

Here’s a well-structured, SEO-friendly article tailored for your biology exam prep needs, focusing on placentation types in plant families. I’ve optimized it with a targeted title, meta description, slug, primary key phrase (“free central placentation family”), and related keywords like “placentation in flowering plants” and “botany MCQs.”

---

Free Central Placentation Family: MCQ Answer & Detailed Placentation Guide

In flowering plants (angiosperms), placentation refers to the arrangement of ovules within the ovary, a key feature for identifying plant families in botany exams. Free central placentation occurs when ovules develop on a central column in a single-chambered ovary, unconnected to the ovary walls—like a “free-standing pillar” of ovules.

Correct Answer: Caryophyllaceae (Option 3)

Caryophyllaceae (pink or carnation family) exhibits free central placentation. Examples include Dianthus (carnation) and Silene. The ovary is unilocular (single chamber) with ovules borne on a central axis raised from the ovary base, not fused to the walls. This matches the classic definition and is a high-yield fact for exams.

(Visual: Ovules on a free central column in Caryophyllaceae ovary.)

Why Not the Other Options? Placentation Breakdown

Let’s compare all options with clear diagrams and examples to solidify your understanding:

Brassicaceae (Option 1) – Parietal Placentation

• Family of mustard (Brassica) and cabbage.

• Ovary is bilocular (two chambers) due to a false septum (replum).

• Ovules attach to the ovary walls (parietal placentation).

• Not free central—walls are involved.

Cucurbitaceae (Option 2) – Parietal Placentation

• Family of cucumber, pumpkin, and bottle gourd.

• Ovary is unilocular but with parietal placentation: ovules on 3–5 elongated parietal placente protruding inward.

• Syncarpous gynoecium forms a single fruit.

• Not free central—ovules stick to walls, not a free column.

Capparaceae (Option 4) – Parietal or Axile Placentation

• Family of caper (Capparis).

• Typically parietal placentation in a unilocular ovary, sometimes multi-locular.

• Closely related to Brassicaceae but lacks the free central setup.

• Not free central.

Exam Tips for Placentation MCQs

• Mnemonic for Free Central: “CaRyophyllaceae’s Free Column” (Caryophyllaceae).

• Differentiate from axile (ovules on central axis in multi-chambered ovary, e.g., Solanaceae).

• Practice with NEET/UGC-NET questions—placentation often pairs with floral formula (Caryophyllaceae: ⊕ ⚥ P_{4-5} A_{4-5} G_{(2)}).

Mastering placentation boosts your botany score. Search “free central placentation family” for more MCQs!