Mercury compounds have the potential to invade enzymes, disrupt the cell membranes, damage structural proteins and also effect the genetic codes in nucleic acids. Mercury has far reaching effects in the body, from the structure of the cell, to the interstitial fluid between the cells, and finally, to the organs themselves. Because mercury inhibits cells and the cell's metabolism in many ways, it is difficult and lengthy to describe the process. The kidneys are prone to renal failure, particularly in males, due to mercury toxicity. One explanation for renal failure overall, is due to mercury's toxic effect on mitochondrial function.
Mercury impacts most severely on neural tissue.
The Central Nervous System is very susceptible to methyl mercury. Certain amino acids, like methionine actually accelerate the transport of metals across the blood-brain barrier. Methyl mercury is believed to enter the brain as an amino acid. In this form it can penetrate cells and interferes with protein synthesis within the ribosomes. When the Minimata Bay in Japan was poisoned with mercury back in 1960, severe encephalopathies, fatalities, birth defects and permanent birth defects were just some of the main health effects noticed after the spill.