In microbiology, are bacteria considered biotic components of an ecosystem?

• A. Yes; bacteria are living organisms and therefore are biotic.
• B. No; bacteria are not considered biotic because they cannot reproduce independently.
• C. Yes; bacteria are abiotic because they lack a nucleus.
• D. No; bacteria are nonliving chemical particles and therefore abiotic.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions: Biotic components are living organisms in an ecosystem, while abiotic components are nonliving physical and chemical factors.
2. Recall that bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that have cellular structures, can metabolize, grow, and reproduce independently.
3. Since bacteria are living organisms capable of independent reproduction and metabolism, they fit the criteria for biotic components.
4. Note that the presence or absence of a nucleus (prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic) does not determine whether an organism is biotic or abiotic; bacteria are prokaryotes but still living.
5. Therefore, bacteria are considered biotic components of an ecosystem because they are living organisms.