Final answer:
Alcohol metabolism in the liver involves the Alcohol Dehydrogenase System (ADH) and the Microsomal Ethanol Oxidizing System (MEOS). ADH processes about 80-90% of ethanol, while MEOS metabolizes about 10-20%. Some alcohol is also excreted through breath and urine. Alcohol can stimulate fat synthesis in the liver.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alcohol metabolism in the liver involves two main processes: the Alcohol Dehydrogenase System (ADH) and the Microsomal Ethanol Oxidizing System (MEOS). ADH is responsible for processing 80-90% of the ethanol in the liver, while MEOS metabolizes 10-20% of it. ADH converts ethanol into acetaldehyde, which is then converted to acetate by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). The MEOS system is induced by heavy drinking and helps to metabolize excess ethanol.
In addition to these processes, about 10% of alcohol is excreted through breath and urine. When alcohol is metabolized in the liver, it can lead to stimulation of fat synthesis, both acutely and chronically.