Which enzyme converts alcohol to acetaldehyde during metabolism?

The enzyme that converts alcohol to acetaldehyde during metabolism is alcohol dehydrogenase. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the first step of ethanol metabolism, primarily in the liver. When alcohol is ingested, alcohol dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of ethanol, resulting in the formation of acetaldehyde, which is a toxic metabolite.

After the production of acetaldehyde, the body further metabolizes it into acetate through the action of aldehyde dehydrogenase, which is important for the detoxification process. Understanding this pathway is essential in recognizing how the body processes alcohol and why excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, contributing to the toxicity and adverse effects associated with alcohol consumption.