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Prions quiz

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  • What does the term 'prion' stand for?
    Prion stands for 'proteinaceous infectious agent,' referring to infectious particles made solely of misfolded proteins.
  • How do prions differ from viruses and viroids in their composition?
    Prions are composed only of misfolded proteins, while viruses contain proteins, nucleic acids, and sometimes lipids, and viroids are made only of RNA.
  • What is the main function of a prion in causing disease?
    Prions induce normal proteins to misfold, which leads to the accumulation of abnormal proteins and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Name two human diseases caused by prions.
    Two human prion diseases are Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and fatal familial insomnia.
  • What is the characteristic appearance of brain tissue affected by prion diseases?
    Brain tissue affected by prion diseases develops holes, giving it a sponge-like appearance known as spongiform encephalopathy.
  • What is the normal form of the prion protein called?
    The normal form of the prion protein is called PrPC (prion protein cellular).
  • What is the misfolded, disease-causing form of the prion protein called?
    The misfolded, disease-causing form is called PrPSc (prion protein scrapie).
  • How does PrPSc interact with PrPC in neurons?
    PrPSc interacts with PrPC and induces it to misfold, converting it into more PrPSc.
  • What happens as PrPSc accumulates in the brain?
    As PrPSc accumulates, it aggregates and forms clumps, leading to spongiform lesions and neurodegeneration.
  • What is the name of the prion disease that affects sheep and goats?
    The prion disease that affects sheep and goats is called scrapie.
  • What is the term for the group of diseases caused by prions that result in sponge-like brain tissue?
    These diseases are called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
  • How do prion diseases spread within the brain?
    Prion diseases spread as misfolded PrPSc proteins convert normal PrPC proteins into more PrPSc, leading to accumulation and aggregation.
  • Name two animal diseases caused by prions.
    Two animal prion diseases are mad cow disease and chronic wasting disease.
  • What is the main cellular target of prion accumulation?
    Prions primarily accumulate in neurons, the cells of the nervous system.
  • What is the ultimate effect of prion aggregation in the brain?
    Prion aggregation leads to the formation of spongiform lesions, causing brain tissue deterioration and neurodegenerative disease.