Prions

Definition

Prions are misfolded proteins that can induce other normal proteins to also misfold, causing a chain reaction. They are known to cause a variety of neurodegenerative diseases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prions do not contain nucleic acids (DNA or RNA).
2. Diseases caused by prions include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease.
3. Prion diseases are often fatal and currently have no cure.
4. Prions can be transmitted through contaminated food, medical equipment, and even inherited genetically.
5. They resist standard sterilization methods that typically eliminate bacteria and viruses.

Review Questions

• What type of biological macromolecule are prions?
• Name two diseases caused by prions.
• Why are prion diseases particularly difficult to treat or prevent?

Related terms

Viroids:

Infectious agents composed solely of a short strand of circular, single-stranded RNA without protein coats.

Viruses: Infectious agents composed of nucleic acids (either DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat, capable of infecting living cells.

Amyloid: Aggregates of proteins that become misfolded into fibrils; associated with various diseases including Alzheimer's.