The Biogenic Elements: The Chemical Elements Essential To Earth's Living Systems

Almost every one of the chemical elements plays some role in Earth's living systems, however, ~20 elements account for the vast majority of material in living systems. These biogenic elements are divided into ...
six major biogenic elements (elements found in almost all of Earth's living systems, often in relatively large quantities),

five minor biogenic elements (elements found in many of Earth's living systems, and/or in relatively small quantities), and

trace elements (essential elements necessary only in very small quantities to maintain the chemical reactions on which life depends, or elements found only a very few of Earth's living systems).

Major Biogenic Elements

Minor Biogenic Elements
Sodium
Potassium
Magnesium
Calcium
Chlorine


Biogenic Trace Elements
Manganese
Iron
Cobalt
Copper
Zinc
Boron
Aluminum
Vanadium
Molybdenum
Iodine
Silicon
Nickel
Bromine