Q: Which of the following best represents the main enzymatic steps in alcohol metabolism?

$$ \text{Alcohol} \xrightarrow{\text{alcohol dehydrogenase}} \text{acetaldehyde} \xrightarrow{\text{acetaldehyde dehydrogenase}} \text{acetic acid} $$

Question 1

Which enzyme is primarily responsible for the conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde during the first step of alcohol metabolism in the liver?

Accepted Answer

alcohol dehydrogenase

Question 2

A patient with a genetic deficiency in aldehyde dehydrogenase is most likely to experience which of the following after consuming alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Facial flushing and nausea

Question 3

During fermentation, yeast converts glucose into which two main products?

Accepted Answer

alcohol and carbon dioxide

Question 4

Which of the following factors does NOT significantly affect blood alcohol concentration (BAC) after drinking?

Accepted Answer

The type of beverage container used

Question 5

A 70-kg male and a 50-kg female each consume the same amount of alcohol. Which of the following best explains why the female is likely to have a higher BAC?

Accepted Answer

Females have a lower activity of gastric alcohol dehydrogenase

Question 6

Which of the following best represents the main enzymatic steps in alcohol metabolism?

Accepted Answer

$$ 	ext{Alcohol} \xrightarrow{	ext{alcohol dehydrogenase}} 	ext{acetaldehyde} \xrightarrow{	ext{acetaldehyde dehydrogenase}} 	ext{acetic acid} $$

Question 7

Which of the following is a potential explanation for a hangover?

Accepted Answer

Excessive fluid loss during drinking

Question 8

A patient presents with confusion, ataxia, and memory impairment after years of heavy drinking. Which vitamin deficiency is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Question 9

Which of the following statements about tolerance to alcohol is correct?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic tolerance increases the rate of alcohol metabolism

Question 10

Which neurotransmitter system is most directly enhanced by acute alcohol consumption, leading to its sedative effects?

Accepted Answer

GABAergic system

Question 11

After chronic alcohol use, withdrawal symptoms are most closely associated with which of the following changes in neurotransmitter activity?

Accepted Answer

Increased glutamate activity and decreased GABA activity

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a sign of fetal alcohol syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Abnormally high birth weight

Question 13

Fatty liver occurs because of a buildup of ______, while cirrhosis is the result of the formation of ______.

Accepted Answer

triglycerides; scar tissue

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the effect of disulfiram (Antabuse) on alcohol metabolism?

Accepted Answer

It blocks the conversion of acetaldehyde to acetic acid

Question 15

A 25-year-old male drinks heavily at a party and later experiences confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. Which syndrome is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Question 16

Which of the following is a major reason why chronic alcoholics may develop thiamine deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol impairs thiamine absorption in the gut

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why alcohol is considered a CNS depressant?

Accepted Answer

It enhances GABAergic neurotransmission and inhibits glutamatergic neurotransmission

Question 18

Which of the following is most likely to increase the rate of alcohol absorption from the gastrointestinal tract?

Accepted Answer

Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach

Question 19

Which of the following is a common misconception about the effects of alcohol on the brain?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol only affects the GABAergic system

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between alcohol use and the risk of stroke?

Accepted Answer

Heavy alcohol use increases the risk of stroke

Alcohol: Biochemical and Neurochemical Aspects (Psychopharmacology Chapter 10 Study Guide)

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