Chapter 18, Problem 18A

Summary Introduction

To determine:

How prion and viruses are common.

Introduction:

The viruses are the small pathogen having nucleic acids and a protein capsule around it. The virus reproduces in the cell of the host and they use the resource of the host cells. The prions are misfolded protein that cause diseases.

Answer to Problem 18A

The virus and prions are infectious agents.

Explanation of Solution

The viruses and the prions both are considered to be nonliving. These two are the infectious agents, which when introduced in the host’s body may cause illness. The viruses are made up of genetic material and protein, on the other hand, prions are made up of protein, that are misfolded form of normal proteins in the cell.