Which statement correctly describes the relationship between CPU, RAM, and ROM in a computer used for laboratory information systems?

• A. CPU executes software instructions; RAM is for temporary storage; ROM is for long-term storage
• B. RAM executes software instructions; CPU stores temporary data; ROM is for cache
• C. ROM executes software instructions; CPU stores data; RAM is for long-term storage
• D. CPU runs hardware tasks; RAM is permanent; ROM is volatile storage

Answer: (A)

Understanding how CPU, RAM, and ROM work together helps explain why this statement makes the most sense. The CPU is the component that actually runs software instructions. RAM provides fast, temporary storage for the instructions and data the CPU is currently using, and it loses its contents when power is removed (volatile). ROM, on the other hand, holds firmware and essential system code in a non-volatile form, so it remains stored even when the computer is turned off. So the best description is that the CPU executes software instructions, RAM is for temporary storage, and ROM is for non-volatile, long-term storage of essential code. The other descriptions mix up these roles, such as RAM running instructions, ROM acting as cache, or RAM being permanent.