Question

Enzyme present in limited quantity in Asians for metabolism of alcohol is

• A. Alcohol dehydrogenase
• B. Succinate thiokinase
• C. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase
• D. Both A and B

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase

Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase is the enzyme which converts acetaldehyde into acetate. Acetaldehyde is produced from the metabolism of alcohol by the enzyme alcoholic dehydrogenase. Acetaldehyde is toxic and its accumulation can cause hangover so it needs to be metabolized. It is converted into acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase. Acetate is then converted into carbon dioxide and water. About 50% people of northeast Asia have a dominant mutation in the gene encoding for enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase resulteing in decreased activity of this enzyme. So, Asians have this enzyme in limited quantity.

So, the correct answer is 'Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase'.