Which physiological factor can affect drug metabolism?

The choice of age and liver function as the physiological factor affecting drug metabolism is accurate because both elements play critical roles in how the body processes medications.

Age influences drug metabolism due to the developmental stages of the liver. In neonates and infants, liver enzymes responsible for drug metabolism may not be fully developed, leading to slower drug clearance. Conversely, in elderly patients, liver function may decline due to reduced liver mass and hepatic blood flow, impacting the metabolism of drugs.

Liver function is crucial because the liver is the primary site for drug metabolism, primarily through enzymatic reactions such as Phase I (oxydation/reduction) and Phase II (conjugation) processes. Impairments in liver function, whether due to chronic disease, fatty liver, or other conditions, can slow down the metabolism of drugs, increasing their half-life and risk of toxicity.

With this understanding, it becomes clear why age and liver function are significant factors. Other options, such as skin type, dietary preferences, and gender alone, may influence drug absorption, distribution, or excretion but do not have as direct an impact on the metabolic processes within the liver as age and liver function do.