Alcohol dehydrogenase
Alcohol dehydrogenase
Alcohol dehydrogenase (pronunciation: al-ko-hol dee-hy-dro-gen-ase) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of alcohols in the body. It is primarily found in the liver and the stomach.
Etymology
The term "Alcohol dehydrogenase" is derived from the chemical reaction that it catalyzes. "Alcohol" refers to the substrate that the enzyme acts upon, while "dehydrogenase" refers to the removal of hydrogen atoms during the reaction.
Function
Alcohol dehydrogenase catalyzes the conversion of alcohol to acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that is later converted into harmless acetic acid or fatty acids in the body. This process is part of the body's natural defense mechanism against the toxic effects of alcohol.
Related Terms
- Enzyme: A protein that catalyzes a specific biochemical reaction.
- Liver: The largest internal organ in the body, responsible for detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion.
- Stomach: A major organ in the digestive system, responsible for breaking down and digesting food.
- Alcohol: A psychoactive substance with depressant effects, commonly found in beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits.
- Acetaldehyde: A toxic compound that is a byproduct of alcohol metabolism.
- Hydrogen: A chemical element with symbol H and atomic number 1.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alcohol dehydrogenase
- Wikipedia's article - Alcohol dehydrogenase
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