Trace element

<p>A trace element is a <a href="/facts/Chemical_element/0jducgWD">chemical element</a> of a minute quantity, a trace amount, especially used in referring to a <a href="/facts/Micronutrient/nwzKuSMQ">micronutrient</a>, but is also used to refer to minor elements in the composition of a <a href="/facts/Rock_(geology)/FXCJkmop">rock</a>, or other <a href="/facts/Analytical_chemistry/MHQf3YP6">chemical substance</a>.
</p><p>In <a href="/facts/Nutrition/SMJ3Dhfs">nutrition</a>, trace elements are classified into two groups: essential trace elements, and non-essential trace elements. Essential trace elements are needed for many physiological and biochemical processes in both plants and animals. Not only do trace elements play a role in biological processes but they also serve as catalysts to engage  in <a href="/facts/Redox/Pyd5RVcj">redox</a> – oxidation and reduction mechanisms. Trace elements of some <a href="/facts/Heavy_metals/Cblmy8qI">heavy metals</a> have a <a href="/facts/Heavy_metals/Cblmy8qI">biological role</a> as essential <a href="/facts/Micronutrient/nwzKuSMQ">micronutrients</a>.
</p>

Trace element open-in-new

Trace element