2. DEFINATION : Misfolded proteins with the ability to transmit their misfolded shape
onto normal variants of the same protein.
Pronunciation : ˈpriːɒn/ (listen), /ˈpraɪɒn/
Prion : derives from "proteinaceous infectious particle
Protein as an infectious agent stands in contrast to all other known infectious agents
such as viruses, bacteria, fungi & parasites all of which contain DNA , RNA or both.
5. KEY FEATURES OF PIRONS
Even smaller than viruses
(pronounced “pree-ons”)
simplest infectious agents.
Like viruses they are obligate parasites,
no genetic material.
Although prions are merely self-perpetuating proteins, they have been
implicated as the cause of various diseases including bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (mad cow disease)
suspected of playing a role in a number of other disorders.
6. PRION :PROPERTIES
Prion : proteins multiply
Not broken down by proteases and instead accumulate
within neurons,destroying them.
Progressive neuron destruction eventually causes
brain tissue to become filled with holes in a spongelike, or
spongiform, pattern.