What is the primary end-product of ethanol metabolism that is converted to acetyl-CoA?

The primary end-product of ethanol metabolism that is converted to acetyl-CoA is acetate. When ethanol is consumed, it undergoes a series of metabolic transformations primarily in the liver. The process begins with ethanol being oxidized to acetaldehyde, which is then further oxidized to acetate.

Once acetate is formed, it can then enter the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle) when converted to acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA is a crucial molecule involved in energy production, as it serves as a substrate for energy metabolism and is pivotal in the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol.

This pathway highlights how ethanol metabolism not only impacts immediate energy availability but also influences broader metabolic processes, including those related to fat storage and energy balance. Thus, acetate is correctly identified as the primary end-product that transitions into the important metabolite acetyl-CoA.