Plays a central role in formaldehyde detoxification. a primary alcohol + NAD(+) = an aldehyde + H(+) + NADH a secondary alcohol + NAD(+) = a ketone + H(+) + NADH NADP(+) + S-(hydroxymethyl)glutathione = H(+) + NADPH + S-formylglutathione NAD(+) + S-(hydroxymethyl)glutathione = H(+) + NADH + S-formylglutathione Binds 2 Zn(2+) ions per subunit. kcat is 1351 min(-1) with S-hydroxymethylglutathione as substrate (at pH 8 and 25 degrees Celsius). kcat is 6 min(-1) with farnesol as substrate (at pH 7.5 and 25 degrees Celsius). kcat is 324 min(-1) with cinnamylalcohol as substrate (at pH 7.5 and 25 degrees Celsius). kcat is 126 min(-1) with farnesol as substrate (at pH 10 and 25 degrees Celsius). kcat is 1200 min(-1) with geraniol as substrate (at pH 10 and 25 degrees Celsius). kcat is 1220 min(-1) with cinnamylalcohol as substrate (at pH 10 and 25 degrees Celsius). kcat is 335 min(-1) with 12-Hydroxydodecanoic acid as substrate (at pH 10 and 25 degrees Celsius). Homodimer. A number of isoforms are produced. According to EST sequences. Ubiquitous. Down-regulated by wounding and activated by salicylic acid (SA). Belongs to the zinc-containing alcohol dehydrogenase family. Class-III subfamily.