Final answer:
Collagen degradation in chronic periodontal disease directly results from the action of collagenase enzymes of oral microbial origin. These enzymes break down collagen, the dominant protein in connective tissue, allowing pathogens to penetrate and spread through host tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Collagen degradation in chronic periodontal disease can directly result from the action of collagenase enzymes of oral microbial origin. These enzymes are component systems of proteases that break down collagen, which is the dominant protein in connective tissue.
One example of a protease that contains a metal ion is the exoenzyme collagenase. Collagenase digests collagen, allowing pathogens to penetrate and spread through host tissue. The collagenase produced by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens, for example, allows the bacterium to make its way through tissue layers and cause gas gangrene.
Periodontal disease is the result of infections that lead to inflammation and tissue damage in the structures surrounding the teeth. Collagen degradation caused by collagenase enzymes can contribute to this disease.