Chapter 6 - Alcohol

Question 1

alcohol abuse

Answer 1

• excessive alcohol consumption that leads to severe alcohol-related health and other probelms
• often starts in teenage and college years
• 7 kcals per gram

Question 2

ethanol

Answer 2

• Chemical term for the form of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages

Question 3

distillation

Answer 3

• a physical method used to seperate liquids based on their boiling points

Question 4

Alcohol proof

Answer 4

• represents twice the volume of alcohol in percentage terms
• 80 proof vodka = 40% alcohol

Question 5

Chief site for alcohol metabolism

Answer 5

• Liver

Question 6

Alcohol dehydrogenase

Answer 6

• An enzyme used in alcohol (ethanol) metabolism
• key to alcohol metabolism
• acts on 90% of the dose consumed

Question 7

cirrhosis

Answer 7

• A loss of functioning liver cells, which are replaced by nonfunctioning connective tissue.
• Any susbstance that poisons liver cells can lead to cirrhosis
• Also, exposure to certain industrial chemicals can cause this

Question 8

What does alcohol turn into once acted on by alcohol dehydrogenase

Answer 8

acetaldehyde

Question 9

ischemic stroke

Answer 9

• a stroke caused by the absence of blood flow to a part of the brain
• risk decreased in light to moderate drinkers

Question 10

free radicals

Answer 10

• short-lived forms of compounds that exist with an unpaired electron, causing it to seek an electron from another compound
• very destructive to electron-dense cell components, such as DNA and cell membranes.

Question 11

acute alcohol intoxication

Answer 11

• a temporary detrioration in mental function, accompanied by lack of coordination and partial paralysis, arising from drinking alcoholic beverages too rapidly.

Question 12

Binge drinking

Answer 12

• 4 drinks in a row for women
• 5 drinks in a row for men

Question 13

alcohol dependence

Answer 13

• repeated alcohol-related difficulties
• tolerance is seen
• links with gender, ethnicity, and depression

Question 14

serotonin

Answer 14

• A neurotransmitter synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan that affects mood (sense of calmness), behavior, appetite, and induces sleep

Question 15

dopamine

Answer 15

• neurotransmitter that leads to feelings of euphoria
• used to form norepinephrine

Question 16

What is a strong indicator of genetic risk?

Answer 16

Ability to “hold one’s liquor”

Question 17

Where is alcohol addiction frequently seen?

Answer 17

homeless people

Question 18

Naltrexone

Answer 18

• blocks the craving for alcohol and the pleasure of intoxication

Question 19

Disulfiram (antabuse)

Answer 19

• produces an ill feeling, such as vomitting, when drinking alcohol by blocking acetaldehyde metabolism

Question 20

congeners

Answer 20

• non-alcohol substances present in alcoholic drinks
• ex. hops

Question 21

acetaldehyde

Answer 21

• first product of alcohol breakdown

Question 22

Acetate (acetic acid)

Answer 22

• second product of alcohol breakdown
• further converted to fat

Question 23

Microsomal Ethanol Oxidizing System

Answer 23

• Backup system for ethanol disposal used in heavy drinkers

Question 24

Procarcinogen

Answer 24

• substance made into a carcinogen by some biochemical pathway in the body

Question 25

Carcinogen

Answer 25

• chemical that causes cancer

Question 26

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Answer 26

• proportion of alcohol in the bloodstream
• legal limit = 0.08 percent

Question 27

Diuretic

Answer 27

• drug that increases urine production
• alcohol is a powerful diuretic

Question 28

Resveratrol

Answer 28

• a compound found in red wine which helps prevent heart attacks and strokes

Question 29

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Answer 29

• birth defects caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy

Question 30

teratogen

Answer 30

• chemical that causes birth defects