Final answer:
Nerve agent poisoning comes under two main categories: the G-series, which includes agents like Sarin and Soman, and the V-series, such as VX. These agents cause rapid and severe symptoms by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Treatment typically involves anticholinergics like atropine and oximes to counteract the poisoning effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two categories of nerve agent poisoning refer to the different groups of agents based on their chemical structure and properties. The G-series includes agents such as Tabun (GA), Sarin (GB), Soman (GD), Ethyl Sarin (GE), and Cyclosarin (GF). The V-series is another category, which includes agents like VX. These agents disrupt the nervous system by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, which leads to the accumulation of acetylcholine and continuous muscle contraction, resulting in symptoms such as constricted pupils, salivation, convulsions, and involuntary urination and defecation. The first symptoms can appear in seconds and death by asphyxiation or cardiac arrest may follow in minutes.
Treatment for nerve agent poisoning involves the use of an anticholinergic like atropine to manage symptoms and an oxime to reverse the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. This combination is often issued to military personnel in autoinjectors for quick administration under stressful conditions.