Question

The characteristic type of placentation found in the members of Caryophyllaceae is
A. Parietal
B. Marginal
C. Basal
D. Axile
E. Free central

Answer 1

Placentation is the details of placenta which includes formation, type and structure, or arrangement of the placenta and it functions to transfer nutrients, respiratory gases, and water from maternal tissue to a growing embryo. It also removes waste from the embryo.
In Caryophyllaceae, gynoecium has a single and compound pistil of 2-5 carpels, it has an equal number of styles and a superior ovary which has a single locule with many free central ovules.

Complete answer:
In some cases, Caryophyllaceae has an ovary with 3-5 locules with axile placentation and axile placentation is that placentation where placenta is located on a central column. When there is an ovary with a single locule, free central placentation is seen. Axile placentation is that placentation where placenta is located on a central column.

If we look at option now,

Option A - Parietal.
It is an incorrect option as parietal placentation is not found in the members of Caryophyllaceae but free central placentation is found in the members of Caryophyllaceae. Hence, this option gets eliminated.

Option B - Marginal.
It is an incorrect option as marginal placentation is not found in the members of Caryophyllaceae but free central placentation is found in the members of Caryophyllaceae. Hence, this option gets eliminated.

Option C - Basal.
It is an incorrect option as basal placentation is not found in the members of Caryophyllaceae but free central placentation is found in the members of Caryophyllaceae. Hence, this option gets eliminated.

Option D - Axile.
This option is incorrect as this type of placentation is seen in those having 3 to 5 locules but in Caryophyllaceae there is presence of ovary with single locule due to which it has free central placentation.

Option E - Free central.
This type of placentation is found in those ovaries having one locule and that is the case in Caryophyllaceae as it has an ovary with one locule. Therefore, this option is the correct one.

Hence, the correct answer is option (E).

Note: If gynoecium have single loculed ovary then free central placentation is seen and if gynoecium have more 2-5 loculed ovary then axile placentation is seen. In Caryophyllaceae, gynoecium has a single locule ovary.