Which of the following statements about Wolbachia is true?

• A. Wolbachia is a virus that infects only plants.
• B. Wolbachia is a fungus that causes disease in humans.
• C. Wolbachia is an intracellular bacterium that commonly infects arthropods and some nematodes.
• D. Wolbachia is a free-living bacterium found in soil.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the nature of Wolbachia by recalling its classification: Wolbachia is a type of bacterium, not a virus or fungus.
2. Understand the ecological niche of Wolbachia: it is known to be an intracellular bacterium, meaning it lives inside the cells of its host organisms.
3. Recognize the typical hosts of Wolbachia: it commonly infects arthropods (such as insects) and some nematodes, rather than plants or free-living environments like soil.
4. Eliminate incorrect options by matching the characteristics: Wolbachia is not a virus, does not infect only plants, is not a fungus causing human disease, and is not free-living in soil.
5. Conclude that the true statement is the one describing Wolbachia as an intracellular bacterium infecting arthropods and some nematodes.