Describe the mechanism by which PrP is infectious
What will be an ideal response?
The clue to why PrP acts as an infectious agent was found when it was discovered that all mammals contain the gene for PrP. However, under normal conditions, the protein produced from this gene, cellular PrP, is not a pathogenic agent. It is when PrP folds into an abnormal form called prion PrP that it is infectious. As prion PrP, the protein is capable of inducing copies of cellular PrP to refold into prion PrP, thereby causing the disease form of the protein to accumulate. Because the genetic information to create this protein is found in the host organism, prions are the only known example of a totally protein-based infectious agent.
Bloom's Taxonomy: Application
Section: Other Parasitic Particles: Viroids and Prions
Learning Outcome: 13.24
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What will be an ideal response?