Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life
Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780190209896
Author: Trudy McKee, James R. McKee
Publisher: Oxford University Press
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Chapter 8, Problem 1Q
Summary Introduction

To review:

The production of a large amount of NADH (reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or NAD) leading to lactate accumulation in an individual, as a result of alcohol intoxication.

Introduction:

Alcohol is one of the most common mood-altering drugs used by individuals. However, alcohol is a toxic drug, which is capable of causing damage to liver tissues and in severe cases, death of the individual. Thus, the body has evolved certain mechanisms to reduce the damage through the oxidation of consumed alcohol (ethanol).

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

The metabolism of ethanol occurs in the liver of an individual. The oxidation of ethanol produces acetaldehyde, which is further oxidized to form acetic acid along with carbon dioxide and water. Further, both the oxidation processes result in the production of a large amount of NADH. This is because alcohol has no or negligible nutrient content and thus, cannot be stored in the body.

The NADH thus produced is utilized for the conversion of pyruvic acid to lactic acid (lactate) along with the production of NAD+ as a byproduct. The equation has been described below:

Pyruvate+NADH+H+Lactate+NAD+

Hence, lactate or lactic acid accumulation is commonly observed as a side-effect of alcohol intoxication. Furthermore, synthesized NAD+ participates in the glycolysis reaction for the production of energy.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that the fate of the NADH (that is, the conversion of pyruvate to lactate), which is formed as a result of oxidation of ethanol and acetaldehyde, leads to the accumulation of lactate in an individual.

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Students have asked these similar questions
Which reaction in the citric acid cycle is most analogous to the oxidative decarboxylation of 6- phosphogluconate to ribulose 5-phosphate? What kind of enzymebound intermediate is formed in both reactions?
One of the consequences of ethanol addiction is fattyliver disease, an illness in which liver cells accumulatetriacylglycerols, the esters derived from glycerol and fattyacids. Ethanol is oxidized in the cytoplasm of liver cells byalcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase to yieldacetate and 2 NADH. Acetate is then transported into themitochondrion, where it is converted to acetyl-CoA andmetabolized by the citric acid cycle. When alcohol is consumed in excessive quantities, the resulting high levels ofNADH cause metabolic abnormalities, one of which is highlevels of fatty acid synthesis. Fatty acid synthesis, also acytoplasmic process, uses acetyl-CoA as a substrate andNADPH as a reducing agent. Determine how a high level ofcytoplasmic NADH provides a source of NADPH for fattyacid synthesis.
The citric acid cycle operates only when O2 is present, yet O2 is not a substrate for the cycle. Explain.

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Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life

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