What do Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and mad cow disease have in common?

• A. All cause the misfolding of nucleic acids.
• B. All are associated with plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis).
• C. All are caused by the buildup of misfolded proteins in cells.
• D. All are associated with the buildup of lipids in brain cells due to faulty lysosome activity.
• E. All are associated with the buildup of misfolded proteins in cells.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the common feature among Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and mad cow disease.
2. Understand that these diseases are neurodegenerative, affecting the nervous system.
3. Recognize that a key characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases is the accumulation of abnormal proteins.
4. Learn that misfolded proteins can aggregate, forming plaques or tangles that disrupt cell function.
5. Conclude that the buildup of misfolded proteins in cells is a shared factor in these diseases, leading to cellular damage and disease progression.