What characteristic of heavy metals contributes to their antimicrobial action? They enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria They exert activity at very small amounts They are highly soluble in water They require high concentrations to be effective

The characteristic of heavy metals that contributes to their antimicrobial action is that they exert activity at very small amounts. Heavy metals, such as silver, copper, and mercury, have been used as antimicrobial agents for centuries. They are effective in small concentrations and can disrupt cellular processes, denature proteins, and interact with nucleic acids, leading to the death of microorganisms.