Polyol dehydrogenase that catalyzes the NAD(+)-dependent oxidation of various sugar alcohols. Is mostly active with D-sorbitol (D-glucitol), ribitol and xylitol as substrates, leading to the C2-oxidized products D-fructose, D-ribulose and D-xylulose, respectively. To a lesser extent, can also oxidize arabitol, mannitol, lactitol and maltitol in vitro. Is required for sorbitol metabolism. Cannot use NADP(+) as the electron acceptor. H(+) + keto-D-fructose + NADH = D-sorbitol + NAD(+) NAD(+) + ribitol = D-ribulose + H(+) + NADH NAD(+) + xylitol = D-xylulose + H(+) + NADH Binds 1 zinc ion per subunit. kcat is 0.33 sec(-1) towards sorbitol for the reaction with sorbitol as substrate. kcat is 0.39 sec(-1) towards NAD(+) for the reaction with sorbitol as substrate. Homotetramer. Mostly expressed in dry seeds and leaves, and, to a lower extent, in roots, stems, flowers and siliques (at protein level). Reduced dry weight and primary root length when grown in the presence of sorbitol. Increased resistance to dehydration under short-day conditions. Belongs to the zinc-containing alcohol dehydrogenase family.