Question

The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase can oxidize ethanol or methanol (both can be substrates). What oxidation product of methanol would be expected to be present in these poisoned individuals, and what is a potential treatment based upon your knowledge of enzymes?

ethanol = CH₃CH₂OH

methanol = CH₃OH

formaldehyde = CH₂O

methane = CH₄

Group of answer choices

Formaldehyde; administer methanol to saturate the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme

Methane; administer methanol to saturate the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme

Formaldehyde; administer ethanol to compete with the methanol at the active site

Methane; administer ethanol to compete with the methanol at the active site

Answer 1

1. Answer: Option C is correct
Explanation:
Alcoholo dehydrogenase catalyzes the following reactions.
Ethanol <------> Acetaldehyde
Methanol <------> Formaldehyde

Methanol and formaldehyde are poisonous to humans.
Formaldehyde is far dangerous than methanol.
So, ethanol must be administered to methanol poisoned individuals. As a result, the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme is saturated with ethanol and hence it cannot use methanol as a substrate.