What protein complex controls the progression of mitosis through its activation and degradation?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A) Ribosome: Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis and are not directly involved in controlling the progression of mitosis. B) Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK): CDKs are a family of protein kinases that regulate the cell cycle, including the progression of mitosis. CDK activity is controlled by cyclins, which bind to CDKs to activate them at specific points in the cell cycle. The activation and degradation of cyclins regulate the activity of CDKs, which in turn control the progression of mitosis. C) Centriole: Centrioles are involved in organizing the microtubules of the mitotic spindle but do not directly control the progression of mitosis. D) Microtubule: Microtubules are structural components of the cytoskeleton and are involved in various cellular processes, including mitosis, but they do not control

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When an atom loses an electron, it gains a positive charge and becomes an ion. This occurs because the number of protons in the atom exceeds the number of electrons, leading to a positive charge. Therefore, the atom undergoes a transformation into an ion by losing an electron. Choice A is incorrect because losing an electron does not result in the formation of a molecule, as molecules are made up of bonded atoms. Choice C is incorrect because losing an electron does not change the fundamental identity of the atom; it only changes its charge. Choice D is incorrect because losing an electron causes the atom to become positively charged, altering its neutrality.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the f orbital. Each f orbital can hold up to 2 electrons. Since there are 5 f orbitals, the total maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in f orbitals is 10 (2 electrons per orbital x 5 orbitals = 10 electrons). Therefore, the f orbital can hold a maximum of 10 electrons. Choice A, s orbital, is incorrect because it can hold a maximum of 2 electrons. Choice B, p orbital, is incorrect because it can hold a maximum of 6 electrons (3 orbitals x 2 electrons per orbital = 6 electrons). Choice C, d orbital, is incorrect as it can hold a maximum of 10 electrons (5 orbitals x 2 electrons per orbital = 10 electrons), but the question asks for the type of orbital that can hold a maximum of 10 electrons, not the total number of electrons in d orbitals.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Elements in Group 18 (Noble gases) are generally unreactive because their outermost electron shells are completely filled. This results in high stability and low reactivity since they have achieved a full valence shell configuration, making them less likely to gain, lose, or share electrons with other atoms. The full valence shell configuration leads to a minimal tendency for these elements to form chemical bonds, hence exhibiting low reactivity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because high atomic masses, lack of valence electrons, and existing as single atoms do not directly contribute to the unreactivity of noble gases. It is the full valence shell configuration that is the primary reason for their inert nature.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Carbon dioxide is the correct answer. It is used in fire extinguishers because it displaces oxygen, which is necessary for combustion. When carbon dioxide is released onto a fire, it reduces the oxygen concentration around the flames, effectively smothering the fire. This disruption of oxygen availability interrupts the chemical reaction that sustains the fire. Nitrogen (Choice A), helium (Choice C), and argon (Choice D) are not typically used in fire extinguishers for smothering flames by displacing oxygen. Nitrogen is an inert gas that can displace oxygen but is not as effective as carbon dioxide in fire suppression.