Which of the following is a function of the motherboard?

The motherboard is often referred to as the mainboard or system board, and it serves as the central hub that connects all the components of a computer system. It provides the necessary circuitry for communication between the CPU, memory, storage devices, and other peripherals.

By connecting these various parts, the motherboard ensures that they can work together seamlessly. For instance, it allows the processor to communicate with RAM for data processing and manages data transfer between different devices like hard drives and graphics cards. This connectivity is essential for the overall functionality of the computer, making the motherboard a critical component in any computing system.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary functions of the motherboard. While data storage is primarily handled by storage devices like hard drives and SSDs, and audio signal generation is typically managed by dedicated sound cards or integrated audio chips, the motherboard’s crucial role in connecting all components is what makes it indispensable in a computer's architecture.