Question

Which of the following are characteristic features of Solanaceae family?
(a) Flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic
(b) Calyx have five sepals and are united
(c) Androecium have five stamens and are epipetalous
(d) Ovary is inferior
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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

Hint:

Solanaceae family characteristics: Bisexual flowers Actinomorphic symmetry 5 united sepals 5 epipetalous stamens Superior ovary

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Solanaceae is an important family of flowering plants that includes economically important plants such as tomato, potato, brinjal, chilli and tobacco. Each plant family possesses characteristic floral features used for identification and classification. The floral formula and flower morphology of Solanaceae help determine whether a statement about floral parts is correct or incorrect. Important characteristics include bisexual flowers, radial symmetry, united sepals, epipetalous stamens and superior ovary.

Step 1: Examine flower symmetry and sexuality.
Plants belonging to Solanaceae family generally possess bisexual flowers. Bisexual means both male reproductive organ (androecium) and female reproductive organ (gynoecium) occur in same flower. These flowers are also actinomorphic. Actinomorphic means flower can be divided into two equal halves along multiple planes. Hence statement (a) is correct. \[ (a)=\text{Correct} \]

Step 2: Study calyx structure carefully.
The calyx is composed of sepals. In Solanaceae family, calyx usually consists of five sepals. These sepals are fused together, meaning gamosepalous condition exists. Thus statement (b) correctly describes floral morphology. Therefore \[ (b)=\text{Correct} \]

Step 3: Check androecium characteristics.
Androecium represents male reproductive part. In Solanaceae family, androecium consists of five stamens. These stamens are epipetalous. Epipetalous means stamens remain attached to petals. This is a key identifying characteristic of this family. Hence statement (c) is also correct. Thus \[ (c)=\text{Correct} \]

Step 4: Analyze ovary position.
In Solanaceae family, ovary is superior. Superior ovary means floral parts arise below ovary. The statement says ovary is inferior. This is incorrect. Hence \[ (d)=\text{Incorrect} \]

Step 5: Choose correct combination.
Correct statements are \[ (a),(b),(c) \] Thus correct option becomes \[ \boxed{\text{Option (2)}} \]