aldehyde dehydrogenase

n. A family of enzymes that catalyze the oxygenation of aldehydes. Alcohol aldehyde dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxygenation of ethyl alcohol into acetaldehyde, which in turn is catalyzed by acetyl aldehyde dehydrogenase into acetic acid or vinegar. Acetyl aldehyde dehydrogenase's action is blocked by Antabuse (disulfram) leading to an accumulation of acetaldehyde, which sickens the person.