Effect of environmental alcohol on in vivo properties of Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase.

The effects of environmental 2-propanol on the in vivo properties of Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase (E.C. 1..1.1.1.) are presented. Exposed flies were found to exhibit a significant decrease in ADH specific activity with a concomitant increase in the enzyme's relative in vivo stability and concentration. The possible adaptive significance of the observed responses is discussed.