Question

What is the likely cause of tooth decay? A. a lysogenic virus infecting the living cells of the tooth B. bacteria feeding on the sugar in the mouth and producing acid C. an excess of vitamin K production by mouth bacteria D. nitrogen-fixing bacteria releasing ammonia that is eroding the tooth enamel

Name: Problem 10, Chapter 18: Glencoe Biology
Uploaded: 2020-05-14T17:48:26-08:00
Duration: 2 min 9 s
Channel: Jonathan Turovsky
Description: What is the likely cause of tooth decay? A. a lysogenic virus infecting the living cells of the tooth B. bacteria feeding on the sugar in the mouth and producing acid C. an excess of vitamin K production by mouth bacteria D. nitrogen-fixing bacteria releasing ammonia that is eroding the tooth enamel

   What is the likely cause of tooth decay?
A. a lysogenic virus infecting the living cells of the tooth
B. bacteria feeding on the sugar in the mouth and producing acid
C. an excess of vitamin K production by mouth bacteria
D. nitrogen-fixing bacteria releasing ammonia that
is eroding the tooth enamel

Glencoe Biology

Alton Biggs 1st Edition

Chapter 18, Problem 10

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Jonathan Turovsky

05/14/2020

Step 1

We know that the white tissue of the teeth, called enamel, is composed of calcified minerals and is not living. Therefore, it cannot be invaded by viral particles. This rules out option A, which suggests a lysogenic virus infecting the living cells of the tooth. Show more…

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What is the likely cause of tooth decay? A. a lysogenic virus infecting the living cells of the tooth B. bacteria feeding on the sugar in the mouth and producing acid C. an excess of vitamin K production by mouth bacteria D. nitrogen-fixing bacteria releasing ammonia that is eroding the tooth enamel

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Key Concepts

Tooth Decay

A progressive dental condition where the tooth structure, particularly the enamel and dentin, become damaged or demineralized due to the acidic byproducts from bacterial metabolism. This process leads to the formation of cavities.

Oral Bacteria

Microorganisms that naturally reside in the mouth and are capable of metabolizing dietary sugars. Their metabolic activities, particularly the production of acid, play a direct role in the development of tooth decay.

Sugar Metabolism

The biochemical process in which oral bacteria convert sugars into acids. This acid production leads to a decrease in pH in the mouth and contributes to the demineralization of the tooth enamel.

Acid Production

The result of bacterial sugar metabolism in the oral environment, where acids erode the tooth enamel, reducing its mineral content and integrity, and ultimately causing tooth decay.

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