Humber Admissions Practice Test

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What is the function of centrioles in animal cells?

Energy production
Cell division
Providing structure
Locomotion

The correct answer is: Cell division

Centrioles play a critical role in cell division, specifically in the process of mitosis and meiosis. They are cylindrical structures composed of microtubules and are typically found in pairs within the centrosome of animal cells. During cell division, centrioles help organize the spindle fibers that separate chromosomes, ensuring that each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes. The involvement of centrioles in cell division is vital for the correct distribution of genetic material, contributing to genetic stability across cell generations. While energy production is a function of mitochondria, structural support is provided by the cytoskeleton, and locomotion is typically related to cilia or flagella, centrioles are specifically linked to the organization and anchoring of the mitotic spindle during cell replication. This distinctive role makes them essential for the proliferation of animal cells.