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Alcohol Metabolism definitions

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  • Ethanol
    Primary type of alcohol found in beverages, rapidly absorbed in the digestive tract and processed by the liver.
  • Alcohol Dehydrogenase
    Enzyme that initiates alcohol breakdown, converting ethanol into toxic acetaldehyde, mainly in the liver and stomach.
  • Acetaldehyde
    Toxic intermediate produced during alcohol metabolism, responsible for negative effects if accumulated.
  • Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase
    Enzyme that converts acetaldehyde into non-toxic acetate, with genetic variations affecting its activity.
  • Acetate
    Non-toxic end product of alcohol metabolism, utilized by cells for energy and contributing to caloric value.
  • Blood Alcohol Content
    Measurement of alcohol concentration in the blood, expressed as a percentage, influencing physiological effects.
  • Body Composition
    Proportion of muscle and fat in the body, affecting alcohol dilution due to differences in water content.
  • Stomach Contents
    Presence of food in the stomach, which slows alcohol absorption and increases time for initial metabolism.
  • Genetic Variation
    Differences in genes, such as those coding for ALDH, impacting individual responses to alcohol metabolism.
  • Asian Flush
    Reaction characterized by skin flushing due to acetaldehyde buildup, commonly linked to ALDH deficiency.
  • Liver
    Primary organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol, housing key enzymes for detoxification.
  • Small Intestine
    Main site of alcohol absorption into the bloodstream, following limited absorption in the stomach.
  • Toxicity
    Harmful effects caused by substances like ethanol and acetaldehyde before complete metabolism.
  • Enzyme
    Protein catalyst that accelerates chemical reactions, crucial for alcohol breakdown in the body.
  • Metabolism
    Cellular process involving chemical modification of substances, such as converting alcohol to acetate.