# Explain how drinking too much alcohol over many years can damage the liver and affect the rest of the body.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 3.4 Non-communicable diseases in humans · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Alcohol is broken down / metabolised in the liver
2. Long-term excessive alcohol consumption causes liver cells to be damaged or destroyed / replaced by scar tissue (cirrhosis)
3. Damaged liver cannot carry out its normal functions effectively, such as removing toxins from the blood
4. Toxins / harmful substances build up in the blood and can damage other organs / affect other body systems

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](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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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-drinking-too-much-alcohol-dab3b3c5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.