How Does Metabolism Alter Molecular Structure and Toxicity?
Metabolism can significantly alter the molecular structure of a compound, thereby affecting its toxicity. Metabolic processes can either detoxify a substance or produce more toxic metabolites. For instance, the metabolism of acetaminophen can lead to the formation of a toxic metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which can cause liver damage at high doses. Understanding the metabolic pathways and resulting structural changes is essential for assessing the overall toxicity of a substance.
