Question

Prions

A) replicate by converting normal host proteins into prion proteins.
B) responsible for 'Mad Cow Disease' can cause a similar disease in humans.
C) can be transmitted by consumption of dried or cooked food.
D) that cause Spongiform Encephalopathy have the same amino acids but different folding properties from PrPc.
E) All of the above.

Answer 1

Prions are small proteins that can cause diseases by converting normal host proteins into prions. They can be transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food. Prion diseases result from the accumulation of misfolded prion proteins. Therefore, the correct answer is E) All of the above.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prions are small proteins found in nerve tissue that can cause diseases such as mad cow disease in cows and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. They replicate by converting normal host proteins into prion proteins and can be transmitted by consuming dried or cooked food contaminated with misfolded prions. The misfolding of prions is related to the conversion of the normal prion protein (PrPC) into the disease-causing form (PrPSc). PrPSC binds to PrPC and converts it to PrPSC, leading to the exponential increase of PrPSC protein in the body. PrPSC is folded abnormally, leading to the spongy texture of brain tissue seen in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.