Question

Problem 12.2

Methanol is highly toxic, not because of its own biological activity but because it is converted metabolically to formaldehyde, through action of alcohol dehydrogenase. Part of the medical treatment for methanol poisoning involves administration of large doses of ethanol.

Part A

Explain why this treatment is effective.

Match the words in the left column to the appropriate blanks in the sentences on the right. Make certain each sentence is complete before submitting your answer. Each word can only be used once.

acetate

acetaldehyde

NADH

NAD+

reduce

formaldehyde

oxidize

formate

methanol

Ethanol will generate________ , through the action of alcohol dehydrogenase, and this will _____ formaldehyde back to______ , also through alcohol dehydrogenase.

The _____ formed can be metabolized further to acetate. Ethanol may also compete with methanol for binding to alcohol dehydrogenase.

Answer 1

Answer:

The treatment with ethanol is effective because ethanol binds to alcohol dehydrogenase and prevents the capacity of alcohol dehydrogenase to bind methanol. Ethanol produces acetaldehyde which is less toxic and methanol will be filtered in kidneys and sent out with urine.

NADH

Reduce

methanol

Acetaldehyde