Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

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What is the function of alcohol dehydrogenase?

It converts nontoxic substances into ethyl alcohol.
It breaks down formaldehyde.
It converts ethyl alcohol to nontoxic substances.
It metabolizes methyl alcohol into toxins.

The correct answer is: It converts ethyl alcohol to nontoxic substances.

The function of alcohol dehydrogenase is to convert ethyl alcohol, commonly known as ethanol, into acetaldehyde, which is a toxic substance. This conversion is an important step in the metabolism of alcohol within the liver. Acetaldehyde is then further broken down by the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase into acetic acid, which is less toxic and can be utilized in various metabolic pathways. In this context, the correct choice highlights the role of alcohol dehydrogenase in the metabolism process, specifically relating to ethyl alcohol. The process plays a crucial role in the detoxification of ethanol in the body. Understanding this enzymatic pathway is essential in studying how different substances affect human metabolism and the potential toxicity of alcohol consumption.