What is a prion in biology?

Prions are the infectious agents made only from a protein coat. They completely lack genetic material and survive only as the cellular protein. These prions are infectious agents capable of causing disease in humans as well as animals. They do not infect the plants. These infectious protein particles are capable of triggering the healthy protein causing disease.

Mad cow disease in the brain of a cow, scrapie disease in goats and sheep are a common example of prion disease.Prions are found to affect the nerve cells.These proteinaceous particles show extreme resistance to the chemicals and heat.

FAQs on What is a prion in biology?

Q. What is an example of prion?

Ans. Prions are the infectious agents made only from a protein coat. They completely lack genetic material and survive only as the cellular protein. These prions are infectious agents capable of causing disease in humans as well as animals. They do not infect the plants. These infectious protein particles are capable of triggering the healthy protein causing disease.

Mad cow disease in the brain of a cow, scrapie disease in goats and sheep are a common example of prion disease.Prions are found to affect the nerve cells.These proteinaceous particles show extreme resistance to the chemicals and heat.