Author Question: Why is it recommended that those who drink do so slowly and in ... (Read 26 times)

berenicecastro

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 581
Why is it recommended that those who drink do so slowly and in moderation?

Question 2

Outline how alcohol is metabolized during light to moderate drinking.



dajones82

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 359
Answer to Question 1

Once absorbed, alcohol enters the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body. Within 20 minutes of consuming one standard drink (12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled liquor), blood alcohol concentration (BAC) begins to rise, and peaks within 30 to 45 minutes. As more alcohol is consumed, it accumulates in the blood, because the rate of alcohol metabolism is slower than the rate of its absorption. As BAC increases, areas of the brain that control speech, vision, and voluntary muscular movement become depressed as well. If drinking continues, the person may lose consciousness, and the alcohol concentration may potentially reach lethal levels. For this reason, people who drink should do so slowly and in moderation.

Answer to Question 2

The liver metabolizes most alcohol. During light to moderate drinking, most alcohol is metabolized by a two-step enzyme system called the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) pathway.
 The first step in this metabolic pathway requires the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), which is found primarily in the cytoplasm of liver cells. However, ADH is also produced by gastric cells, and for this reason a small amount of alcohol is actually metabolized in the stomach before it reaches the blood. ADH converts alcohol to acetaldehyde, generating NADH + H+. Because acetaldehyde is a toxic molecule, it must be quickly metabolized to something less harmful. If acetaldehyde accumulates, some will pass from the liver into the blood, causing the unpleasant side effects (headache, nausea, and vomiting) associated with heavy drinkingwhat is commonly referred to as a hangover.
 The next step in the ADH pathway is catalyzed by the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which converts acetaldehyde to acetic acid (also called acetate). This reaction requires NAD+ for the transfer of hydrogen, and forms NADH + H+. Acetic acid combines with a molecule of coenzyme A to form acetyl-CoA. This step requires the enzyme acetyl-CoA synthase. Acetyl-CoA enters the citric acid cycle and is metabolized further. The metabolism of one molecule of alcohol to acetic acid yields approximately six ATP. The metabolism of acetyl-CoA via the citric acid cycle yields additional energy (ATP).
There is a limit to how much alcohol the liver can metabolize in any given time. The average person metabolizes 0.5 oz. of pure alcohol per hour. Small amounts of unmetabolized alcohol are eliminated from the body by the lungs (expired air), skin (sweat), and kidneys (urine).



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Symptoms of kidney problems include a loss of appetite, back pain (which may be sudden and intense), chills, abdominal pain, fluid retention, nausea, the urge to urinate, vomiting, and fever.

Did you know?

Human stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve small pieces of metal such as razor blades or staples.

Did you know?

The most common childhood diseases include croup, chickenpox, ear infections, flu, pneumonia, ringworm, respiratory syncytial virus, scabies, head lice, and asthma.

Did you know?

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, lung disease is the third leading killer in the United States, responsible for one in seven deaths. It is the leading cause of death among infants under the age of one year.

Did you know?

Fatal fungal infections may be able to resist newer antifungal drugs. Globally, fungal infections are often fatal due to the lack of access to multiple antifungals, which may be required to be utilized in combination. Single antifungals may not be enough to stop a fungal infection from causing the death of a patient.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library