Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Meiosis is the type of cell division responsible for sexual reproduction. During meiosis, a single cell undergoes two rounds of division to produce four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This reduction in chromosome number is essential for sexual reproduction as it ensures that when two gametes (sperm and egg) combine during fertilization, the resulting zygote will have the correct number of chromosomes. Mitosis, on the other hand, is a type of cell division that produces two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell and is involved in growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. Amitosis is a rare form of cell division that does not involve the typical processes of mitosis or meiosis. Cytokinesis is the process of dividing the cytoplasm of a cell after mitosis or meiosis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: - Prophase I occurs in meiosis I, not meiosis II. During Prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material in a process called crossing over. - Prophase II is the stage where the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers start to reappear, preparing the cell for division. Sister chromatids are still attached during Prophase II. - Anaphase I is the stage in meiosis I where homologous chromosomes are separated and pulled to opposite poles of the cell. - Anaphase II is the stage in meiosis II where sister chromatids are separated and pulled to opposite poles of the cell, resulting in four genetically unique daughter cells. This is the stage where the final separation of genetic material occurs, leading to the formation of haploid daughter cells.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ionic bonds involve electron transfer, where one atom completely donates an electron to another, resulting in discrete molecules. On the other hand, metallic bonds are non-directional and strong, formed by a 'sea' of delocalized electrons shared among all metal atoms. This shared electron cloud allows for strong bonding throughout the entire material, making metallic bonds non-directional and strong compared to the directional and weaker nature of ionic bonds. Choice A is incorrect because metallic bonds do not involve electron sharing but rather the sharing of a sea of delocalized electrons. Choice C is incorrect as metallic bonds can also exist between metal atoms, not just between metals and non-metals. Choice D is incorrect because metallic bonds do not form discrete molecules but rather extended structures due to the sharing of electrons among all metal atoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Constructive interference and destructive interference are two phenomena that occur when waves interact. Constructive interference leads to an increase in wave amplitude when two waves meet in phase, resulting in the alignment of peaks and troughs. This alignment results in the combined wave having a higher amplitude. On the other hand, destructive interference causes a decrease in amplitude as two waves meet out of phase, leading to their cancellation. When peaks align with troughs, they cancel each other out, resulting in a lower overall amplitude. This difference in effect on wave amplitude distinguishes between constructive and destructive interference. Choice A is incorrect because it does not specify the direction of change in amplitude for each type of interference. Choice C is incorrect as both constructive and destructive interference can occur in various types of waves, not affecting them differently based on wave type. Choice D is incorrect because while the relative phase of waves does determine the interference type, it is the amplitude that is affected by constructive and destructive interference, not the wave speed.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of the cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is to regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell. It acts as a selectively permeable barrier, allowing specific molecules to pass through while blocking others. This role is crucial for maintaining the internal environment of the cell by enabling essential nutrients to enter and waste products to exit. While the cell membrane provides some structural support for the cell, its main function is substance transport. Protein and lipid synthesis predominantly occur in organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and storing genetic material is the nucleus's responsibility. Therefore, choices C (To synthesize proteins and lipids) and D (To store genetic material) are incorrect as these functions are carried out by other cell organelles, not the cell membrane.