Chapter 18, Problem 25A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Prions are the protein compounds that may cause disease in the animals. They are known to cause many neurodegenerative diseases in cattle and humans.

Answer to Problem 25A

Correct Answer:

Option (B) prions are infectious protein.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (B) Prions are the infectious proteins. The prions are the misfolded protein, they cannot be present freely, but can be transferred from one cell to another. Hence, it is the correct answer.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option (A)Prions are part of RNA that infect cells. The prions are the misfolded proteins. Hence, it is an incorrect answer.

Option (C) Prion based disease only infect cows. Prions are responsible for many disease in humans too such as Alzheimer’s. Hence, it is not correct.

Option (D) Prions are new type of genetic material. The prions are infectious protein that infect cells. Hence, it is an incorrect answer.