Active against a range of primary alcohols as well as some secondary alcohols. Exhibits higher activity against alcohols with longer carbon chains. 2 formaldehyde + H2O = formate + H(+) + methanol Binds 2 Zn(2+) ions per subunit. Binds 1 molecule of NAD(+) or NADH per subunit. Inhibited by the substrate analog pyrazole but not by NAD analogs such as AMP, ADP, ATP or N-methylnicotinamide chloride. Exhibits a small and broad shoulder at 320 nm as the characteristic absorption spectrum of the reduced form of the coenzyme. Does not catalyze oxidation of methanol at pH 7.0. Homotetramer. Belongs to the zinc-containing alcohol dehydrogenase family.