Video Transcript
Which of the following is an example of a toxic substance that is broken down by the
cells in the liver? (A) Bile, (B) erythrocytes, (C) pepsin, (D) plasma, or (E) ethanol.
The liver is a vital organ in the human body responsible for numerous different
functions that help us to survive. The process of harmful or toxic substances being broken down or neutralized is called
detoxification, and it is one of the key roles of the liver cells. An example of one of these substances which is present in alcoholic drinks is called
ethanol, and it becomes toxic to our body cells when too much is ingested. This is because ethanol is capable of disrupting the cell surface membrane of cells,
which can lead to cell death.
To avoid this dangerous effect on cells, ethanol can be transported via the
bloodstream to the liver. The cells of the liver can convert ethanol into a less toxic form through
detoxification. This can then be excreted from the liver cells and eventually removed from the
body.
Now that we have discussed an example of the role that the liver plays in
detoxification, we can choose the correct answer to our question. The answer choice that is an example of a toxic substance which is broken down by the
cells in the liver is (E), ethanol.
