Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Fragmentation is the form of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into fragments, and each fragment can grow into a new individual. In the case of sponges being torn into pieces by ocean waves, each piece has the potential to develop into a new sponge, making fragmentation the correct answer in this scenario. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops as an outgrowth from the parent organism. Vegetative propagation involves the growth of new individuals from plant parts like stems or roots. Binary fission is a method of reproduction seen in some single-celled organisms where one cell divides into two identical cells.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitochondrion. The mitochondrion is the site of energy production in a cell. It is often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because it is where cellular respiration occurs, generating energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through processes like the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. The other organelles listed play different roles in the cell - vacuoles store materials, the cell membrane regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, and ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Green plants use nitrates in the nitrogen cycle to synthesize proteins. Nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Plants take up nitrates from the soil through their roots and incorporate nitrogen into their proteins through the process of protein biosynthesis. This helps in their growth, development, and overall health. Choice B, 'To store food,' is incorrect because nitrates are primarily used for protein synthesis, not food storage. Choice C, 'To decompose ammonia,' is incorrect as plants do not decompose ammonia but rather utilize it through nitrification. Choice D, 'To break down nitrites,' is incorrect as plants typically convert nitrites into nitrates through a process called nitrate assimilation for protein synthesis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Red cedar is the correct answer as it is an example of a gymnosperm. Gymnosperms are plants that produce seeds not enclosed within an ovary or fruit. In the case of red cedar, it belongs to the gymnosperm group and has naked seeds that are exposed on the surface of scales or leaves. Choices B, C, and D are angiosperms, not gymnosperms. Japanese cherry, flowering dogwood, and American chestnut are all examples of angiosperms, which are flowering plants with seeds enclosed within an ovary.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Fragmentation is the form of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into fragments, and each fragment can grow into a new individual. In the case of sponges being torn into pieces by ocean waves, each piece has the potential to develop into a new sponge, making fragmentation the correct answer in this scenario. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops as an outgrowth from the parent organism. Vegetative propagation involves the growth of new individuals from plant parts like stems or roots. Binary fission is a method of reproduction seen in some single-celled organisms where one cell divides into two identical cells.