What is the metabolic process that converts alcohol to acetaldehyde?

The metabolic process that converts alcohol to acetaldehyde is oxidation. This reaction is primarily facilitated by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), which catalyzes the conversion of ethanol (the type of alcohol found in beverages) into acetaldehyde in the liver.

Oxidation involves the loss of electrons from a molecule, and in this case, it involves the transformation of alcohol into a different chemical form through a reaction that adds oxygen or removes hydrogen. Acetaldehyde is a toxic metabolite and is further metabolized to acetate, which is less harmful and can be utilized by the body for energy.

The other options do not represent the specific metabolic process that directly converts alcohol to acetaldehyde. Detoxification refers to the overall process where the body eliminates toxins, Intoxication describes the state of being affected by alcohol consumption, and cirrhosis is a chronic liver condition that may result from excessive alcohol use but is not a metabolic process itself. Hence, oxidation is the most relevant term when discussing the conversion of alcohol to acetaldehyde.