Final answer:
Mercury exposure can impair brain development, including axonal elongation, leading to cell dysfunction and death. It also causes IQ loss, learning and memory impairments, and behavioral changes in children.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mercury exposure can have detrimental effects on brain development, including axonal elongation. When mercury enters the body, it irreversibly inhibits selenoenzymes, such as thioredoxin reductase, which are necessary for preventing and reversing oxidative damage in brain cells.
This inhibition can lead to brain cell dysfunction and ultimately death. Additionally, mercury exposure can result in IQ loss, learning and memory impairments, and behavioral changes in children. Overall, mercury exposure has significant negative impacts on brain development and function.
The developing nervous system is particularly vulnerable to mercury toxicity, and any damage during this time can have long-term consequences for cognitive function and behavior. While therapies may help manage symptoms, the effects on the nervous system are often irreversible, highlighting the importance of minimizing exposure to this toxic metal.