What is the function of alcohol dehydrogenase?

Alcohol dehydrogenase plays a critical role in the metabolism of alcohol in the body. Its primary function is to catalyze the oxidation of ethanol, which is the type of alcohol found in beverages, converting it into acetaldehyde. This reaction is the first step in the metabolic process of alcohol and is essential for regulating blood alcohol levels. Acetaldehyde is a toxic compound that is further metabolized into less harmful substances by other enzymes, but the initial conversion by alcohol dehydrogenase is crucial for initiating the breakdown process.

Understanding this function can be important for comprehending how alcohol impacts the body, including its effects on the liver and overall health. Other options relate to different metabolic processes (like fat metabolism, protein synthesis, and detoxification), but they do not pertain to the specific role of alcohol dehydrogenase in alcohol metabolism.