What is the main function of peroxisomes in the cell?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Peroxisomes are membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells that contain enzymes involved in various metabolic processes. One of the main functions of peroxisomes is to break down hydrogen peroxide, a toxic byproduct of metabolism, into water and oxygen through the action of the enzyme catalase. This process helps protect the cell from oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide. While peroxisomes are involved in other metabolic functions such as lipid metabolism and the synthesis of bile acids, their primary role is the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because peroxisomes are not primarily responsible for synthesizing lipids, packaging and transporting proteins, or storing genetic material within the cell.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell spends the majority of its time and is characterized by three subphases: G1 (Gap 1), S (Synthesis), and G2 (Gap 2). DNA replication specifically occurs during the S phase of interphase. This is a crucial step as it ensures that each daughter cell produced during cell division receives an exact copy of the genetic material. Mitosis is responsible for the equal distribution of the replicated DNA to the daughter cells during cell division. Meiosis is a specialized cell division process for gamete production in sexually reproducing organisms, involving two rounds of division to generate haploid cells. Cytokinesis is the final step of the cell cycle, where the cytoplasm divides to complete the formation of two separate daughter cells following nuclear division.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The centrioles. Centrioles are cylindrical structures found in animal cells that are crucial in organizing the spindle fibers during cell division (mitosis). They play a vital role in separating chromosomes during cell division, ensuring each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes. Additionally, centrioles are involved in the formation of cilia and flagella, essential for cell motility and sensory functions. The nucleolus is responsible for ribosome production, the Golgi apparatus processes and packages proteins, and the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism. These structures do not have a direct role in controlling the cell cycle and preventing uncontrolled cell growth.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the centromere. It is the structure that attaches to each chromosome during mitosis. The centromere serves as the attachment point for spindle fibers during cell division, ensuring proper distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells. Telomeres are found at the ends of chromosomes, providing protection and stability. The spindle apparatus is responsible for separating chromosomes during cell division. The nucleolus, located within the nucleus, is involved in ribosomal RNA synthesis and not in chromosome attachment during mitosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A) Incorrect. DNA is double-stranded, but RNA is typically single-stranded. B) Correct. DNA contains deoxyribose sugar, which lacks an oxygen atom on the 2' carbon of the sugar ring, while RNA contains ribose sugar, which has an additional hydroxyl group on the 2' carbon. C) Incorrect. RNA contains the nitrogenous base uracil, while DNA contains thymine. D) Incorrect. DNA and RNA have distinct structures and functions, so they are not identical molecules.