In the context of organic chemistry, are prions considered organisms?

• A. No, because they are a type of virus.
• B. Yes, because they are composed of proteins and can replicate.
• C. No, because they lack cellular structure and metabolic processes.
• D. Yes, because they can cause diseases in living organisms.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of prions: Prions are infectious agents composed entirely of protein. They do not contain nucleic acids, which distinguishes them from viruses and other microorganisms.
2. Consider the characteristics of organisms: Organisms typically have cellular structures, metabolic processes, and the ability to reproduce independently. Prions lack these features.
3. Evaluate the replication process: Prions replicate by inducing abnormal folding of normal cellular proteins, particularly in the brain. This process does not involve traditional cellular replication mechanisms.
4. Assess the ability to cause disease: Prions are known to cause neurodegenerative diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, by altering protein structures in host organisms.
5. Conclude based on cellular structure and metabolism: Prions are not considered organisms because they lack cellular structure and metabolic processes, which are essential characteristics of living organisms.