Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Mitosis is the correct answer. It is the process of cell division in somatic cells, leading to the formation of two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis, on the other hand, is the type of cell division that occurs in sex cells, leading to the formation of gametes with half the number of chromosomes. Respiration is a completely different biological process related to energy production, and cytogenesis is not a recognized term for cell division.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A plasma membrane. Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes share the characteristic of having a plasma membrane that surrounds the cell. While eukaryotes also possess a nucleus enclosed by a membrane and various organelles, prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. The plasma membrane, however, is a universal feature found in all cells, regardless of their classification as prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Choice B is incorrect because only eukaryotes have a nucleus enclosed by a membrane. Choice C is incorrect because prokaryotes have limited organelles compared to eukaryotes. Choice D is incorrect as a nucleoid is a region in prokaryotic cells where the genetic material is located, not a common feature shared with eukaryotes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Merkel's discs. Merkel's discs are touch receptors that respond to light touch and slower vibrations, making them ideal for detecting subtle tactile stimuli. Pacinian corpuscles are specialized in detecting deep pressure and high-frequency vibrations, not light touch or slower vibrations. Meissner's corpuscles, on the other hand, are sensitive to light touch and low-frequency vibrations, but they do not specifically respond to slower vibrations. Ruffini endings are responsible for detecting skin stretch and continuous touch pressure, differentiating them from Merkel's discs, which are specifically attuned to light touch and slower vibrations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A sensory pathway generally consists of three neurons: a first-order neuron, a second-order neuron, and a third-order neuron. The first-order neuron carries sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord or brainstem. The second-order neuron then transmits this information to the thalamus or cerebellum. Finally, the third-order neuron projects the sensory input to the cerebral cortex for processing and perception. Therefore, the correct answer is 3 (C). Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the typical structure of a sensory pathway involving three neurons.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A control is a standard used to compare the outcomes of an experiment and is crucial for determining the effect of the variables being tested. It helps isolate and measure the impact of the independent variable by providing a baseline for comparison. While variables may change, constants remain consistent, and collected data is the information obtained from the experiment. A control specifically serves as the standard for comparison in an experiment, making it the correct choice. Variables, although important, are what are being altered and tested in an experiment, constants are factors that are kept consistent throughout the experiment, and collected data is the information gathered from the experiment, none of which specifically serve as the standard for comparison.