Beans give a sign of life (5)
I believe the answer is:
pulse
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'beans' is the first definition.
(edible seeds)
'a sign of life' is the second definition.
(a person's pulse)
'give' is the link.
(Other definitions for pulse that I've seen before include "When you're gone, you haven't one" , "Excitement" , "Rhythmic throb" , "A vital sign turning" , "Heart rate" .)