Final answer:
D. II and III only
To detect prions in the laboratory, PCR is not suitable as prions contain no nucleic acids. Both ELISA and Western blotting can be used as they are capable of detecting proteins, with Western blotting being specifically suited for the proteinaceous nature of prions. Hence, the correct techniques for prion detection are ELISA and Western blotting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The detection of prions, which are abnormal pathogenic agents that are transmissible and can cause neurodegenerative diseases, cannot be done through standard PCR or ELISA methods due to the proteinaceous nature of prions. Prions do not contain nucleic acids, making PCR, which amplifies DNA, unsuitable. Although ELISA can be used to detect proteins, it is not sufficiently specific for prions. Western blotting, however, is used to specifically detect proteins and is capable of identifying prion proteins.
Therefore, out of the given options, the correct laboratory techniques that could be used to detect prions are the enzyme immunoassay, commonly known as ELISA, and Western blotting due to their ability to detect protein presence and specificity. So, the correct answer to the question would be D. II and III only.