Final answer:
A non-cariogenic, non-fermentable 5 carbon substrate is xylitol, a sugar alcohol that oral bacteria cannot metabolize, thus helping prevent tooth decay. Ribose and deoxyribose are also important 5-carbon sugars in nucleic acids. Carbohydrates provide energy, with fibers contributing to intestinal health.
Step-by-step explanation:
A non-cariogenic substrate that is a non-fermentable 5 carbon sugar by oral bacteria is xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol derived from xylose, a 5-carbon sugar typically found in plant materials. Unlike sucrose, xylitol cannot be metabolized by oral bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, which are responsible for producing the acids that lead to tooth decay. Consequently, xylitol is used as a sweetener in various dental care products like toothpaste and chewing gum due to its plaque-reducing and tooth-friendly properties.
Biologically, 5-carbon sugars play a significant role. Ribose and deoxyribose are two notable 5-carbon sugars essential for constructing the backbone of nucleic acids - DNA and RNA. They are classified as pentoses and differ slightly in their structures. Deoxyribose, which is found in DNA, lacks one oxygen atom that is present in ribose, the sugar component of RNA.
Carbohydrates are vital as they serve as a primary energy source, with their digestion breaking down complex carbs into glucose. Excess sugars are stored in the form of glycogen or converted to fat. Soluble and insoluble fibers, although non-digestible, are important for intestinal health and act as dietary fibers.