Briefly explain why a low Km enzyme rather than a high Km enzyme would be more effective (and necessary) for clearance of a toxic product like acetaldehyde.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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Some individuals are more sensitive to alcohol (ethanol) than others. Sensitive individuals
may exhibit facial flushing and rapid heart rate after ingesting even small quantities.
In the liver, alcohol dehydrogenase converts ethanol into acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde, the
cause of the symptoms, is normally converted to acetate by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase.
Humans have two forms of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, a low kM form (in liver
mitochondria) and a high kM form (in liver cytosol).
In susceptible persons, the mitochondrial enzyme is less active and acetaldehyde is
processed only by the cytosolic enzyme.
Briefly explain why a low Km enzyme rather than a high Km enzyme would be more
effective (and necessary) for clearance of a toxic product like acetaldehyde.
Transcribed Image Text:Some individuals are more sensitive to alcohol (ethanol) than others. Sensitive individuals may exhibit facial flushing and rapid heart rate after ingesting even small quantities. In the liver, alcohol dehydrogenase converts ethanol into acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde, the cause of the symptoms, is normally converted to acetate by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. Humans have two forms of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, a low kM form (in liver mitochondria) and a high kM form (in liver cytosol). In susceptible persons, the mitochondrial enzyme is less active and acetaldehyde is processed only by the cytosolic enzyme. Briefly explain why a low Km enzyme rather than a high Km enzyme would be more effective (and necessary) for clearance of a toxic product like acetaldehyde.
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