MDCAT Biology MCQ #96

Prions cause neurodegenerative diseases without using nucleic acids. How do these infectious agents increase their numbers within the host brain?

MDCAT Biology MCQ #96

  1. Question 1

    Q1. Prions cause neurodegenerative diseases without using nucleic acids. How do these infectious agents increase their numbers within the host brain?

    • A) Reverse transcription of protein to DNA
    • B) Inducing misfolding of normal host proteins
    • C) Binary fission within the neurons
    • D) Translation of prion RNA by host ribosomes

    Answer: Inducing misfolding of normal host proteins

    Explanation: Prions replicate by inducing normal proteins (PrPc) to fold into the abnormal shape (PrPsc). They contain no nucleic acids for transcription or translation.