What is the role of a centriole during cell division?

The role of a centriole during cell division is primarily to form spindle fibers. Centrioles are cylindrical structures made up of microtubules and are typically found in pairs within a cell. During the process of cell division, particularly in mitosis, the centrioles play a crucial role in organizing the microtubules that make up the spindle apparatus.

The spindle fibers extend from the centrioles to the chromosomes, helping to align them at the cell's equatorial plane and ensuring their proper segregation into the two daughter cells. This organization is vital for maintaining the correct number of chromosomes in each new cell. Therefore, the centriole's function in forming spindle fibers is essential for successful cell division, as it directly impacts the fidelity of chromosome separation.

Other options, while critical in their own contexts, do not accurately describe the centriole's specific function during cell division. For instance, the protection of DNA and promotion of cell growth are processes primarily associated with other cellular structures and mechanisms, while DNA replication occurs at different sites within the nucleus, unrelated to the role of centrioles.