Which of the following is the process that reduces cells originally classified as diploid to haploid?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Meiosis. Meiosis is the cell division process that reduces the chromosome number from diploid to haploid, which is essential for sexual reproduction. Choice B, Photosynthesis, is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll. Choice C, Mitosis, is a cell division process that results in two diploid daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Choice D, Cytokinesis, is the division of the cytoplasm following cell division.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alleles. Alleles are different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome. They represent variations in a gene's DNA sequence. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms, while heterozygous and homozygous refer to different combinations of alleles in an individual, not the alternative versions of a gene.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Choice A is incorrect because prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles. Choice B is incorrect because prokaryotic cells lack both a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Choice C is incorrect as prokaryotic cells have no defined nucleus. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Nucleus.' Prokaryotic cells do not have a defined nucleus, unlike eukaryotic cells. The plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes are all components found in prokaryotic cells. The plasma membrane surrounds the cell and regulates what enters and exits, the cytoplasm is the gel-like substance that fills the cell, and ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Cytosol. Cytosol is the liquid component of the cytoplasm where various cellular processes occur. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the plasma membrane is the outer boundary of the cell, cilia are hair-like structures on the cell surface, and cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance that contains organelles within the cell, not the liquid inside the cell.