Which enzyme converts alcohol to acetaldehyde?

Alcohol is primarily metabolized in the liver, and the first step in this process involves the conversion of alcohol to acetaldehyde. This reaction is predominantly facilitated by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). The primary role of ADH is to catalyze the oxidation of ethanol (the type of alcohol found in beverages) into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that is further metabolized to acetate by another enzyme called acetaldehyde dehydrogenase.

Understanding the role of ADH is crucial in the context of alcohol metabolism, as this enzymatic step is significant in determining an individual's response to alcohol consumption and the development of alcohol-related disorders. Conditions that affect the activity of ADH, such as genetic variations or the presence of other substances that impact liver function, can influence the rate at which alcohol is metabolized.

While CYP2E1 also plays a role in the metabolism of alcohol—particularly in cases of chronic alcohol consumption or heavy drinking—its main function is not the direct conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde but rather the conversion of acetaldehyde to other metabolites. Choline acetyltransferase, on the other hand, is unrelated to alcohol metabolism, as it is involved in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylch