Evaluating statements on eukaryotic cell structures

Steps:

• Recall that microtubules are cytoskeletal elements made of tubulin protein, forming the mitotic spindle to separate chromosomes.
• Check option A: Centrioles contain microtubules, but cilia and flagella have a 9+2 microtubule arrangement, not solely composed of them.
• Check option B: Cilia and flagella aid in movement, not absorption; microvilli increase surface area for that.
• Check option C: Centrioles organize spindle fibers in mitosis but do not directly participate in DNA replication.
• Verify option D: Microtubules, built from tubulin dimers, assemble into the spindle apparatus during mitosis.

Why D is correct:

• Microtubules are polymers of α- and β-tubulin proteins that form the mitotic spindle, pulling sister chromatids apart as defined in cell division biology.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Cilia and flagella include dynein arms and other proteins beyond just microtubules.
• B: Cilia and flagella function in motility and sensing, not absorption.
• C: Centrioles assist mitosis via spindle formation but have no role in semi-conservative DNA replication.

Final answer: D