Role of Acetaldehyde in Metabolism: A Review 1. Enzymes Catalyzing Reactions Involving Acetaldehyde

Abstract While acetaldehyde appears to be a metabolite in most organisms, bacteria, in particular, possess the most diverse pathways for the metabolism of this compound. Acetaldehyde is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, lipid, nucleic acid, and aromatic compounds and thus provides a mechanism for the interchange of carbon atoms between these compounds. The enzymes metabolizing acetaldehyde are discussed with reference to enzyme systems in bacteria and their role in the overall metabolism of the organism.