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Alcohol : Alcohol And Alcohol Essay

Decent Essays

Our first topic for class is alcohol. Alcohol is defined as “Chemically, a compound characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl group; in common usage, a beverage made from fermented fruits, vegetables, or grains and containing ethanol.” (From the book pg GL-1) Ethanol is defined as “A specific alcohol compound (C2H5OH) formed from the fermentation of dietary carbohydrates and used in a variety of alcoholic beverages.” (From the book pg GL-4) Definition of proof is “A measure of the alcohol content of a liquid; 100-proof liquor is 50% alcohol by volume; 80-proof liquor is 40% alcohol by volume and so on.” (From the book pg GL-11)Alcohol is metabolized by few ways, which involves two enzymes. They are alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). First, ADH metabolizes alcohol to acetaldehyde, a highly toxic substance and known carcinogen. Then, acetaldehyde is further metabolized down to byproduct called acetate. Which then is broken down into water and carbon dioxide.
Alcohol abuse is defined as “A pattern of alcohol consumption, whether chronic or occasional, that results in harm to one’s health, functioning, or interpersonal relationships.” (From the book pg 280) Alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholism, which is being addicted to alcohol. Alcoholism then leads to brain, liver, organ damage, vehicle accidents, traumatic injuries and even death. Definition of binge drinking is “The consumption of five or more alcoholic drinks on one occasion by a man or

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