Dpr in S. mutans functions as

Dpr in S. mutans functions as

• A. Dpr (DPS-like peroxide resistance gene)
• B. A transcription factor that regulates SOD
• C. A manganese transporter
• D. A Catalase enzyme

Answer: (A)

Dpr proteins are part of the Dps (DNA-binding ferritin-like) family that protect the cell from oxidative stress by handling metal ions, especially iron, and binding DNA to shield it from damage. In Streptococcus mutans, Dpr functions as a DPS-like peroxide resistance protein, helping the cell survive peroxide exposure by reducing the availability of iron for Fenton chemistry and by stabilizing DNA under oxidative conditions. It is not a transcription factor that controls SOD expression, not a manganese transporter, and not a catalase enzyme that directly decomposes hydrogen peroxide.

Dpr proteins are part of the Dps (DNA-binding ferritin-like) family that protect the cell from oxidative stress by handling metal ions, especially iron, and binding DNA to shield it from damage. In Streptococcus mutans, Dpr functions as a DPS-like peroxide resistance protein, helping the cell survive peroxide exposure by reducing the availability of iron for Fenton chemistry and by stabilizing DNA under oxidative conditions. It is not a transcription factor that controls SOD expression, not a manganese transporter, and not a catalase enzyme that directly decomposes hydrogen peroxide.