What checkpoint mechanism ensures all chromosomes are attached to the spindle fibers before anaphase begins?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A) Prometaphase is the correct answer because it is the stage of mitosis where all chromosomes are attached to the spindle fibers before anaphase begins. During prometaphase, the nuclear envelope breaks down, allowing the spindle fibers to attach to the kinetochores of the chromosomes. This attachment is necessary for proper chromosome alignment and segregation during anaphase. B) Metaphase is incorrect because it is the stage where chromosomes are aligned at the metaphase plate but do not necessarily have all spindle fibers attached. C) Cyclin degradation is incorrect because it is a regulatory mechanism that controls the progression of the cell cycle but is not specifically related to ensuring all chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers. D) Sister chromatid cohesion is incorrect because it refers to the physical connection between sister chromatids that is maintained until anaphase, but it does not ensure that all chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes an ion. Gaining or losing electrons alters the atom's electron count and charge, creating a positively or negatively charged ion. A molecule is formed when two or more atoms are chemically bonded. An isotope is a variation of an element with a different number of neutrons. A compound consists of two or more different elements chemically bonded together.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Noble gas elements are generally unreactive because they have already achieved stable electron configurations by having a full outer electron shell. This full shell makes them very stable and unlikely to gain, lose, or share electrons with other elements. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because noble gases are not unreactive due to being too large to form bonds easily (A), lacking valence electrons in their outermost shell (B), or having strong bonds within their own molecules (C).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Elements within the same group share similar electron configurations in their outermost shells, resulting in comparable chemical properties. Helium and Neon both belong to Group 18 (Noble Gases), explaining their similarities. Boron, Carbon, and Oxygen are not in the same group as Helium on the periodic table. Boron is in Group 13, Carbon is in Group 14, and Oxygen is in Group 16, which are different from Helium's Group 18.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Silicon is the correct answer. Silicon is widely used in semiconductors for electronic applications because of its unique properties that allow it to be manipulated to conduct or not conduct electricity effectively. Germanium is also used in semiconductors but to a lesser extent compared to silicon. Gallium and arsenic are not as commonly used in semiconductors like computer chips and solar panels, making them incorrect choices for this question.