Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Middle Grades Science (OAE 029) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Success!

The centriole is essential in organizing cell division, particularly during mitosis. In animal cells, centrioles are involved in forming the spindle fibers that segregate chromosomes into the daughter cells during this process. They are typically located near the nucleus in a structure called the centrosome, which helps to coordinate the mitotic spindle formation. This ensures the chromosomes are correctly distributed, preventing errors that could lead to conditions such as aneuploidy.

In contrast, other options do not fulfill this specific role. The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material and is crucial for regulating gene expression and controlling the cell cycle but does not directly organize the physical process of cell division. Lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste processing within the cell, while ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis. Thus, the centrioles’ function in organizing and facilitating the mechanics of cell division is what makes them the correct answer.