What is a prion disease?
Q: What is a prion disease?
A: A prion disease is a disease caused by prions, which are structurally altered versions of small proteins that are normally expressed in cells.
Q: Are prions able to replicate and transmit diseases?
A: Yes, prions are able to replicate and transmit diseases through physical contact with normal proteins resulting in a structural change from the normal state to the prion state.
Q: How are prions different from mutations of genes resulting in the expression of mutant proteins?
A: Unlike diseases caused by mutations of genes resulting in the expression of mutant proteins, prions are able to replicate and transmit diseases through physical contact with normal proteins.
Q: Are prions considered to be alive?
A: No, prions are not considered to be alive because they do not have their own metabolism, they do not possess genes, and cannot naturally reproduce outside a host cell.
Q: Are prion diseases common?
A: No, prion diseases are very rare.
Q: What are the two common signs seen in typical prion diseases?
A: The two common signs seen in typical prion diseases are neurologic diseases.
Q: Is treatment available for most prion diseases?
A: No, no treatment is available for most prion diseases.
