Which of the following is a characteristic of minerals?

The characteristic that minerals help regulate chemical reactions is accurate and highlights the essential role minerals play in various biochemical processes within living organisms. Minerals act as cofactors or coenzymes for numerous enzymatic reactions, facilitating processes like metabolism and the synthesis of important biomolecules. This regulatory function is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and supporting overall health.

Minerals do not provide energy directly, as they are not a source of calories like carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. Additionally, minerals are inorganic compounds, meaning they do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds typical of organic compounds such as proteins or carbohydrates. While it's true that many minerals are required in small amounts, this alone does not encompass their broader regulatory role in biochemical reactions, making the chosen answer more comprehensive in describing a fundamental property of minerals.