Which nutrients are typically products of living organisms?

The correct choice identifies organic nutrients as typically products of living organisms. Organic nutrients are carbon-containing compounds that often arise from biological processes, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. These nutrients are made from living organisms through various metabolic pathways, such as photosynthesis in plants, which produces carbohydrates, or the synthesis of proteins from amino acids in animals.

In contrast, inorganic nutrients, mineral salts, water, and gases do not exclusively originate from living systems. While living organisms can utilize these substances, they are not directly generated by them. For instance, inorganic nutrients and mineral salts, such as calcium or potassium, are sourced from geological processes rather than biological ones. Water and gases, although crucial for life, can exist in the environment without any association with living organisms. This distinction is important in understanding the biochemical foundation of life and the role of organic compounds in the nutrition of organisms.