# Explain how drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to cirrhosis of the liver.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 5.3 Non-communicable diseases · Explain · 4 marks

> Alcohol is broken down in the liver. Long-term excessive alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for serious liver disease. Cirrhosis is a non-communicable disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Alcohol is broken down / metabolised in the liver
2. The breakdown of alcohol produces toxic products / toxic by-products
3. These toxic products damage / destroy liver cells / liver tissue
4. Damaged liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, causing cirrhosis

## Key terms

- [cirrhosis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cirrhosis)
- [liver](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/liver)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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