Legumes: The Fabaceae Family

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Questions and Answers

What is the main nutritional component found in dried legume seeds?

High in carbohydrates

High in fiber

High in protein (correct)

High in fats

Which of the following plants is NOT classified as a legume?

Alfalfa

Corn (correct)

Clover

Kidney bean

What type of relationship exists between legumes and nitrogen-fixing bacteria?

Mutualistic (correct)

Predatory

Parasitic

Commensal

Which legume has been cultivated for at least 7,000 years?

Pea Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of a fruit from a legume plant commonly called?

Pod Signup and view all the answers

What benefit do legumes provide to nitrogen-impoverished soils?

Natural nitrogen fixation Signup and view all the answers

Which legume is known for its potential to be eaten fresh as green or string beans?

Kidney bean Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of dry weight do soybeans typically contain in protein?

35-40% Signup and view all the answers

Which leguminous plant is known for its flower stalk elongating after pollination to push the fruit into the soil?

Peanut Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a purpose for which soybeans are used?

Cosmetics Signup and view all the answers

Which crop is considered drought-tolerant and has numerous cultivars developed for cultivation?

Lentil Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of carob pods?

Chocolate substitute Signup and view all the answers

Fenugreek is primarily cultivated for which purpose?

Medicinal uses and spice Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the characteristics of tropical pulses?

Key source of seed proteins in tropical regions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following legumes is known to play a key role in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine for its use in hummus?

Chickpea Signup and view all the answers

What is the economic significance of soybeans globally?

World's most important legume crop Signup and view all the answers

Which legume is primarily known for its use in making peanut butter and can be processed into various pastes and sauces?

Peanut Signup and view all the answers

How are legumes generally utilized as fallow crops?

To increase soil nitrogen content Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature allows carob to be processed into a sweetmeat?

Its edible seeds and pods Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about liquorice?

It has historical significance in ancient confectionery Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Legumes: The Fabaceae Family

Legumes, also known as pulses, belong to the Fabaceae family.
This family includes both herbaceous plants (peas, beans) and woody trees (acacia, tamarind).
The fruit is a single-chambered pod with seeds attached along one edge.
Legumes have both male and female reproductive parts in the same flower.
Dried legume seeds are high in protein (25-30%), comparable to red meat.
They are a crucial protein source, especially for vegetarians.
Legumes contain all essential amino acids.
Many legumes are important forage crops for livestock (clover, alfalfa).
Legumes form root nodules containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium).
These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable nitrate for plants.
This mutualistic relationship benefits both legumes and bacteria.
Some nitrate leaks into the soil, enriching it with nitrogen.

Economically Important Legumes

Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris): Native to Central and South America, used fresh or dried. Contains about 20% protein.
Pea (Pisum sativum): Cultivated for at least 7,000 years, native to the Mediterranean/Middle East. Seeds can be dried or eaten fresh. Contains about 25% protein.
Soybean (Glycine max): Native to East Asia, the world's most important legume crop. Very high in protein (35-40%). Used in various food and industrial applications.
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea): Native to Central and South America. The flower stalk elongates after pollination, pushing the fruit underground.
Tropical Pulses: Important protein source in many tropical regions. Includes various species like lima beans, chickpeas, mung beans, black-eyed peas, pigeon peas, and lentils.

Other Important Legumes

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua): Subtropical tree native to the Arabian Peninsula. Pods contain protein and sugar, used fresh or processed. Gum from seeds is a food stabilizer.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica): Large tree native to India. The sweet pulp around the seeds is used in tropical cuisines.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Native to the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. Seeds are used medicinally and as a spice. Leaves are used as a vegetable.
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Native to the Mediterranean and central Asia, used for flavoring and as a sweetener.

Legumes as Forage Crops

Several legume species are used as forage and fodder for animals.
They improve soil nitrogen content when used as fallow crops in crop rotation.
Examples include red clover, sweet clover, and alfalfa.

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Description

Explore the diverse characteristics and importance of legumes, a crucial member of the Fabaceae family. Learn about their nutritional benefits, unique reproductive structures, and their role in nitrogen fixation. This quiz will enhance your understanding of these economically and ecologically significant plants.