Functions in the protection against aldehyde-stress. Binds 2 Zn(2+) ions per subunit. By formaldehyde and methylgloxal, under the control of AdhR. Encoded in an operon with yraA. Cells lacking this gene show significantly reduced growth in the presence of formaldehyde but not methylglyoxal. Belongs to the zinc-containing alcohol dehydrogenase family.