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.
You might also like to view...
Which of the following is not a reason for sampling?
A. The destructive nature of certain tests. B. The physical impossibility of checking all the items in the population. C. The adequacy of sample results. D. All of the above are reasons for sampling
Archaeans like Sulfolobus have multiple origins of replication. This suggests that they
a. in this regard, are more like bacteria than eukaryotes. b. in this regard, are more like eukaryotes than bacteria. c. have a unique form of chromosomal replication. d. have multiple plasmids, whose replication must be coordinated. e. have multiple chromosomes.
The group of animals with an efficient respiratory system, in that there is no "stale air" after exhalation, is the:
a. amphibians b. birds c. mammals d. reptiles e. fish
Which structure gives rise to lateral roots?
A. Endodermis B. Cortex C. Epidermis D. Pericycle E. Pith