Final answer:
The true statement about alcohol metabolism is that alcohol not immediately metabolized by the liver circulates throughout the body. The liver, using enzymes like alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, processes most of the alcohol. Metabolism rates can vary and cannot be sped up by drinking coffee or taking showers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement about the metabolizing of alcohol is option D. The liver is primarily responsible for the metabolism of alcohol, with up to 85% - 98% of the ethanol being processed by the liver. The process starts with the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde, a toxic substance subsequently converted to acetate by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. Not all alcohol is metabolized right away; some circulate in the body until the liver can metabolize it. The metabolism rate can vary widely among individuals, and contrary to common misconceptions, actions like drinking coffee or taking a cold shower do not increase the rate at which alcohol is metabolized. Only time allows for the liver to fully metabolize ingested alcohol.