1 of 5000

|

metal prints abnormal metal prints aerobic metal prints anaerobic metal prints bacterium metal prints biochemical metal prints carbon dioxide metal prints chemical metal prints co2 metal prints condition metal prints cut out metal prints cut-out metal prints cutout metal prints dentistry metal prints disorder metal prints enzyme metal prints

photographs abnormal photos aerobic photos anaerobic photos bacterium photos biochemical photos carbon dioxide photos chemical photos co2 photos condition photos cut out photos cut-out photos cutout photos dentistry photos disorder photos enzyme photos

Add This Artwork to Your Favorites Collection

Comment

Add This Artwork to Your Favorites Collection

Comment

Formation of plaque on teeth, illustration. Plaque is a bacterial biofilm that can form on teeth and can cause tooth decay. It can develop into tartar, a mineralised and hardened form of dental plaque. If not treated, the condition can lead to gingivitis, peridontitis and tooth loss. This sequence runs from left to right. At left, bacteria on the teeth metabolise sugar and oxygen (red), producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and the bacterial enzyme glucosyltransferase (GTF, blue). At centre, GTF binds the sugar and bacteria in layers on the tooth surface. At right, the bacteria on the surface metabolise by aerobic combustion, but the bacteria trapped below the surface without oxygen metabolise by anaerobic combustion. This produces lactic acid (green) that erodes the enamel, leading to tooth decay. An example of a bacterium that metabolises sugar in the mouth in this way is Streptococcus mutans. For this illustration with labels, see image C047/7643.

Science Photo Library (SPL) is the leading source of science images and footage. Sourced from scientific and medical experts, acclaimed photographers and renowned institutions, our content is unrivaled worldwide. Outstanding quality, accuracy and commitment to excellence are deeply embedded in our DNA. Science Photo Library inspires creative professionals and delivers engaging content of the highest quality for a wide range of clients in a variety of sectors. Visit sciencephoto.com for more information and stay connected on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Vimeo.