The liver uses a two-phase process to detoxify substances:
Phase I Reactions: These involve oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis reactions. Enzymes such as cytochrome P450 play a major role in transforming lipophilic toxins into more water-soluble forms.
Phase II Reactions: In this phase, conjugation reactions occur, where the liver adds an endogenous substance (like glucuronic acid, sulfate, or glycine) to the toxin, making it water-soluble and easier to excrete.
