Which byproduct of alcohol metabolism is responsible for causing intoxication?

The correct answer is acetaldehyde, which is a significant byproduct of alcohol metabolism. When ethanol, the primary type of alcohol found in beverages, is consumed, it undergoes a series of metabolic processes in the liver. Ethanol is first converted into acetaldehyde by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. Acetaldehyde is toxic and is associated with many of the physiological effects of intoxication, including impairment of motor functions, changes in mood, and other symptoms that contribute to the feeling of being drunk.

After acetaldehyde is produced, it is further metabolized into acetic acid by another enzyme, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is less toxic. However, the initial conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde is crucial for the intoxication effects experienced by individuals consuming alcohol. Understanding this biochemical pathway is vital for grasping how alcohol affects the body and contributes to intoxication.

Ethanol itself is the active ingredient that leads to intoxication, but it is acetaldehyde that primarily contributes to the toxic effects felt during alcohol consumption. Methanol and glycerol are not directly involved in the metabolism of ethanol and do not play roles in causing intoxication from alcoholic beverages. Methanol is a toxic alcohol that can lead to