Mercury(II) compounds are assimilated into the food chain because
A) they are ionic substances that are concentrated in cell tissue.
B) they complex with compounds in the blood which carries them to the muscle tissue of organisms.
C) they are incorporated into bone structure.
D) they are very soluble in water and easily ingested.
E) they are nonpolar substances that are concentrated in fatty tissues as they move up the food chain.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mercury(II) compounds are nonpolar substances that can accumulate in fatty tissues as they move up the food chain through a process called biomagnification. As a result, organisms at higher trophic levels are exposed to increasingly higher concentrations of mercury(II) compounds, making them more susceptible to toxicity.

Mercury(II) Compounds Are Assimilated into the Food Chain Because