Metabolism refers to the biochemical transformation of toxicants in the body, primarily occurring in the liver. This process can either detoxify harmful substances or, paradoxically, convert them into more toxic metabolites. Metabolic processes are categorized into Phase I and Phase II reactions. Phase I reactions involve oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis, whereas Phase II reactions involve conjugation, which usually increases the water solubility of the toxicant, facilitating its excretion.
