Question

Prions have the potential for cross-species transmission becaus?

a) They are resistant to high temperatures
b) They can bind to a variety of host species' PrPC
c) They are exclusively transmitted through air
d) They are only present in mammals

Answer 1

Prions are infectious proteinaceous particles that do not contain nucleic acid. They can be transmitted through exposure to infected nervous system tissues, tissue transplants, blood transfusions, or contaminated fomites. The misfolding of the normal prion protein into a denatured form can cause disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prions are infectious proteinaceous particles that are not viruses and do not contain nucleic acid. They are typically transmitted by exposure to and ingestion of infected nervous system tissues, tissue transplants, blood transfusions, or contaminated fomites. Prion proteins are normally found in a healthy brain tissue in a form called PrPC. However, if this protein is misfolded into a denatured form (Prpsc), it can cause disease. Although the exact function of PrPC is not currently understood, the protein folds into mostly alpha helices and binds copper. The rogue protein, on the other hand, folds predominantly into beta-pleated sheets and is resistant to proteolysis. In addition, Prpsc can induce PrPC to become misfolded and produce more rogue protein.