Prions and Disease Flashcards
1
Q
What are prions?
A
Proteinaceous infectious particles
2
Q
What is transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs)?
A
- Spongy degeneration of the brain, which leads to severe and fatal neurological signs
- Form holes in the brain tissue when nerve cells die.
- Results in death
3
Q
What is bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)?
A
- Transmissible, neuro-degenerative fatal brain disease in cattle.
- Also known as mad cow disease