MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #543

Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the oxidation of benzaldehyde by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #543

  1. Question 1

    Q1. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the oxidation of benzaldehyde by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase?

    • A) Reductive amination to produce NADH and ammonia
    • B) Oxidative decarboxylation to produce carbon dioxide and water
    • C) NADH-dependent reductive amination by the action of a specific enzyme
    • D) Base-catalyzed elimination to produce an alkene

    Answer: Oxidative decarboxylation to produce carbon dioxide and water

    Explanation: Oxidative decarboxylation is primarily responsible for the oxidation of benzaldehyde. It fails because reductive amination is primarily involved in the breakdown of other toxic aldehydes.