The Role of Hydrogen Peroxide in Environmental Adaptation of Oral Microbial Communities
Figure 3
Overview of the effects of production on oral biofilm development. Initially, the antagonistic effect of streptococcal production was described. As a consequence, competitors are eliminated, and the integration of compatible species into the developing biofilm is promoted. production also causes the release of DNA into the environment. The extracellular DNA promotes biofilm formation and cell-cell aggregation. In addition, causes DNA damage, which in turn could lead to beneficial mutations in competent oral streptococci uptake of extracellular DNA. Extracellular DNA could therefore support adaptational processes to changing environmental conditions and promote evolution of oral biofilm development.
