**Question:** Methanol attacks -

A. Eye irritation
B. Central nervous system depression
C. Haemolysis
D. Acidosis

**Correct Answer:** .

**Core Concept:**
Methanol is an alcohol that is toxic, and its effects on the human body involve several systems. Ingestion of methanol leads to its conversion to formaldehyde and formic acid by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, respectively. These toxic substances can cause severe harm to the human body.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Methanol attacks the human body in the following ways:
1. **A. Eye irritation:** Methanol is highly toxic to the cornea and lens of the eye, leading to severe eye irritation and potentially causing blindness.
2. **B. Central nervous system depression:** Methanol and its toxic products can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to central nervous system depression, headache, confusion, and even coma.
3. **C. Haemolysis:** Methanol-induced hemolysis is due to the toxic effects of formic acid on the red blood cells, leading to hemolysis and anemia.
4. **D. Acidosis:** Methanol can cause lactic acidosis due to the accumulation of toxic substances, leading to acidosis.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
1. **Option A (A. Eye irritation)** is partially correct, as methanol does cause eye irritation, but the full explanation includes its conversion to toxic substances and their effects on the eye.
2. **Option B (B. Central nervous system depression)** is partially correct, but it should include the effects of methanol and its toxic products on the blood-brain barrier and central nervous system.
3. **Option C (C. Haemolysis)** is partially correct, as methanol can cause hemolysis due to formic acid's effects on the red blood cells. However, the full explanation should include the toxic substances' effects on the red blood cells.
4. **Option D (D. Acidosis)** is partially correct, as methanol can cause lactic acidosis due to the accumulation of toxic substances, but the full explanation should include the effects of methanol's conversion to toxic substances and their roles in acidosis.

**Clinical Pearl:**
In cases of methanol poisoning, early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications. Management involves supportive care, including fluid resuscitation, electrolyte replacement, and close monitoring of vital signs. Detoxification of methanol involves the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which converts methanol to formic acid. Formate, the end product of methanol detoxification, is toxic and can lead to severe acidosis, which may be mistaken for lactic acidosis. This is why option D (D. Acidosis) is only partially correct and not the full explanation.

**Correct Answer:**
The correct answer is **D. Acidosis**. The toxic substances produced by the conversion of methanol cause acidosis, which can be mistaken for lactic acidosis. It is essential to differentiate between methanol and alcohol poisoning, as they require different