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Multiple Choice
An infectious protein is known to cause neurodegenerative diseases in humans such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease ('mad cow disease'). This type of acellular infectious agent is known as a _________.
A
Viroid.
B
Prion.
C
Virus.
D
Protozoan.
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the problem: The question is asking about an infectious protein that causes neurodegenerative diseases in humans, specifically Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, also known as 'mad cow disease'.
Identify the characteristics of the infectious agent: It is acellular, meaning it does not have a cellular structure, and it is a protein, not a nucleic acid-based entity like viruses or viroids.
Review the options provided: Viroid, Prion, Virus, Protozoan. Consider which of these options fits the description of an acellular infectious protein.
Recall the definition of a prion: Prions are misfolded proteins that can induce other normal proteins to also misfold, leading to disease. They are known to cause neurodegenerative diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Conclude that the correct answer is 'Prion', as it matches the description of an acellular infectious protein causing neurodegenerative diseases.