Question

Which of the following is true regarding prion diseases? a. They are caused by a deadly type of virus. b. They can readily be treated with antibiotics. c. They can be prevented by vaccinations. d. They cause accumulation of misfolded proteins in brain cells.

Name: Problem 5, Chapter 9: Human Biology Concepts and Current Issues
Uploaded: 2021-08-21T02:00:25-08:00
Duration: 1 min 30 s
Channel: Joanna Quigley
Description: Which of the following is true regarding prion diseases? a. They are caused by a deadly type of virus. b. They can readily be treated with antibiotics. c. They can be prevented by vaccinations. d. They cause accumulation of misfolded proteins in brain cells.

    Which of the following is true regarding prion diseases?
a. They are caused by a deadly type of virus.
b. They can readily be treated with antibiotics.
c. They can be prevented by vaccinations.
d. They cause accumulation of misfolded proteins in brain cells.

Human Biology Concepts and Current Issues

Michael D. Johnson 8th Edition

Chapter 9, Problem 5

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Joanna Quigley

08/21/2021

Step 1

Prion diseases are a group of conditions that affect the nervous system in humans and animals. They are caused by prions, which are misfolded proteins. Importantly, these prions also cause other proteins of the same type to misfold. Show more…

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Which of the following is true regarding prion diseases? a. They are caused by a deadly type of virus. b. They can readily be treated with antibiotics. c. They can be prevented by vaccinations. d. They cause accumulation of misfolded proteins in brain cells.

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Key Concepts

Neurodegeneration

Neurodegeneration refers to the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including cell death. In the context of prion diseases, the accumulation of misfolded proteins in brain cells triggers toxic effects, ultimately causing the deterioration of neural networks and associated fatal outcomes.

Prion Diseases

Prion diseases are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by misfolded prion proteins. Unlike bacteria or viruses, prions propagate by inducing misfolding in normal proteins, leading to a cascade of protein misfolding that results in brain damage and a rapid decline in neural function.

Protein Misfolding

Protein misfolding is a process in which a protein takes on an abnormal structure instead of its normal functional form. In prion diseases, this misfolding leads to the formation of aggregates that accumulate in brain tissue, disrupting normal cellular processes and leading to neurodegeneration.

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