Alcohol in beverages is degraded mainly in the liver cytosol with the production of one NADH for each ethanol molecule.Predict what effect consumption of alcohol would have on the activity of the liver malate-aspartate shuttle.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The consumption of alcohol leads to the production of NADH in the liver, which increases the NADH/NAD+ ratio in the cytosol. This higher ratio can inhibit the malate-aspartate shuttle because the shuttle relies on a balance of NADH and NAD+ to function properly. However, the shuttle may work harder to try to maintain cellular homeostasis, leading to increased activity in an attempt to counterbalance the effects of alcohol metabolism.

Alcohol in Beverages Is Degraded Mainly in the Liver Cytosol