What is the significance of comments in Google Docs?

The significance of comments in Google Docs primarily lies in their ability to provide a way for feedback and discussion. Comments enable collaborators to leave notes, suggestions, and queries directly associated with specific parts of the document. This feature fosters interactive communication among users, allowing for clarification and constructive critique in a centralized location. Such a collaborative environment enhances the editing process, as users can address concerns or incorporate suggestions without altering the original text until a consensus is reached.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary function of comments. Changing document formatting pertains to editing features that do not involve comments. Limiting document accessibility relates to sharing settings rather than the feedback mechanism that comments provide. Lastly, automatic document saving is a fundamental feature of Google Docs that ensures work is continuously saved without needing to specifically relate to the use of comments.