Which of the following group of bacteria plays a great role in recycling nutrients?PhotoautotrophsParasitic bacteriaSymbiotic bacteriaChemoautotrophs

The group of bacteria that plays a significant role in recycling nutrients is symbiotic bacteria. These bacteria form partnerships with other organisms, such as plants and animals, aiding in processes like nutrient cycling. For example, certain symbiotic bacteria in the root nodules of legumes fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, making it available to plants, which in turn enriches the soil. Additionally, symbiotic relationships in gut microbiomes help in the breakdown of complex organic materials, further contributing to nutrient recycling.

In contrast, photoautotrophs primarily conduct photosynthesis, parasitic bacteria harm their hosts and do not contribute positively to nutrient recycling, and chemoautotrophs typically oxidize inorganic substances to obtain energy, which, while important for certain cycles, does not directly involve recycling organic nutrients in the same manner as symbiotic relationships. Thus, symbiotic bacteria are crucial for the sustainability of ecosystems by facilitating nutrient availability and cycling.