Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Unstable nuclei are more likely to decay through various processes. The stability of an atom's nucleus is a crucial factor in determining whether it will undergo radioactive decay. Unstable nuclei have an excess of either protons or neutrons, causing an imbalance in the nucleus. To achieve a more stable configuration, these nuclei will undergo radioactive decay by emitting particles or energy. On the contrary, stable nuclei are less likely to undergo radioactive decay as they possess a balanced number of protons and neutrons. Choice A is incorrect because stable nuclei can still undergo radioactive decay, albeit less frequently. Choice C is incorrect as decay does not make stable nuclei more prone to it; rather, it stabilizes them. Choice D is incorrect because an element's decay rate is primarily determined by the nucleus's stability, not its position on the periodic table.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of the epiglottis in the respiratory system is to prevent food from entering the trachea. During swallowing, the epiglottis covers the opening of the trachea, guiding food down the esophagus to the stomach and preventing it from entering the airway. This mechanism safeguards the respiratory system from foreign objects, ensuring proper air passage and avoiding potential choking hazards. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A) Filtration of air is mainly performed by the nasal hairs and the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. B) Production of mucus is primarily carried out by the mucous glands in the respiratory system to trap particles and humidify the air. D) Oxygen exchange in the alveoli occurs in the lungs and is related to the process of respiration, not the function of the epiglottis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: During the S phase of interphase, DNA replication takes place. DNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides in a complementary manner to the template strand. It plays a pivotal role in accurately replicating the entire genome. While helicase unwinds the double-stranded DNA for replication, topoisomerase relieves the tension in the DNA strands, and ligase joins the Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand. However, DNA polymerase directly participates in the synthesis of new DNA strands during replication, making it the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Smooth muscle is the correct answer. It is found in the walls of blood vessels and helps regulate blood flow by contracting and relaxing to adjust the diameter of the vessels. Skeletal muscle, found attached to bones, is responsible for voluntary movements and is not typically found in blood vessel walls. Cardiac muscle is specific to the heart and responsible for pumping blood, not found in blood vessel walls. Striated muscle, another term for skeletal muscle, is characterized by its striped appearance under a microscope but is not present in blood vessel walls.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Centrioles are involved in organizing microtubules during cell division, specifically in forming the mitotic spindle. The mitotic spindle is crucial for the proper alignment and separation of chromosomes during cell division, ensuring the accurate distribution of genetic material to daughter cells. Choice A, forming the nuclear envelope, is incorrect as centrioles do not have a direct role in this process. Choice B, replicating DNA, is incorrect as centrioles are not involved in DNA replication. Choice D, protein synthesis, is incorrect as centrioles do not play a role in protein synthesis.