Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: The endocrine system. The endocrine system maintains the body's balance through the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream. Hormones produced by glands in the endocrine system regulate various bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by releasing hormones that help control and coordinate different processes in the body. Choices A, C, and B are incorrect. The gastrointestinal system is responsible for digestion, absorption of nutrients, and excretion of waste; the digestive system includes the gastrointestinal system and other accessory organs; and choice B is a duplicate of the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct match for the DNA segment ACTTGCA is TGAACGT. In DNA, adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) always pairs with guanine (G). Therefore, the complementary strand to ACTTGCA should be TGAACGT, making choice A the correct answer. Choice B (GACCATG) does not follow the base pairing rules; hence, it is incorrect. Choice C (ACTTGCA) is the original segment, not its complementary strand. Choice D is incorrect as well because a matching strand does exist.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The mixture of gases surrounding a planet is referred to as its atmosphere. The atmosphere plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth by providing oxygen, regulating carbon dioxide levels, and shielding the planet from harmful radiation. While the stratosphere, troposphere, and other layers are part of the atmosphere, the term 'atmosphere' encompasses the entire gaseous envelope surrounding a planet. The stratosphere, troposphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere are specific layers within the atmosphere, each with distinct characteristics and functions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct phases of mitosis are prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Prophase is the first phase where chromatin condenses into chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle forms. Prometaphase follows prophase, involving the full disintegration of the nuclear envelope and the attachment of spindle fibers to the kinetochores of the chromosomes. Metaphase is where chromosomes align along the metaphase plate. Anaphase is the phase where sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles. Telophase marks the final stage of mitosis, involving the decondensation of chromosomes and the reformation of the nuclear envelope. Choice A is incorrect because it includes interphase, which is not a phase of mitosis. Choice B is incorrect as it repeats prophase, which is the initial phase. Choice D is incorrect because it includes interphase and repeats prophase.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The electron transport chain (ETC) produces the greatest amount of ATP during cellular respiration. This process occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane and involves the transfer of electrons through a series of protein complexes, creating a proton gradient that drives the synthesis of ATP. By utilizing the energy from the electron carriers NADH and FADH2 produced in earlier stages of cellular respiration, the ETC can generate a large amount of ATP efficiently through oxidative phosphorylation. Glycolysis only produces a small amount of ATP in comparison to the ETC. The citric acid cycle generates some ATP but not as much as the ETC. Fermentation does not produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation and yields a much smaller amount of ATP compared to the ETC.