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Multiple Choice
How are prions different from other infectious agents in terms of their composition?
A
Prions are composed of lipids and proteins, similar to viruses.
B
Prions are composed solely of proteins, lacking nucleic acids.
C
Prions are made up of carbohydrates and proteins, unlike bacteria.
D
Prions contain both DNA and RNA, unlike other infectious agents.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the nature of prions: Prions are infectious agents that are unique because they are composed solely of proteins. They do not contain nucleic acids, which distinguishes them from other infectious agents like viruses and bacteria.
Compare prions to viruses: Viruses are composed of nucleic acids (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat, and sometimes a lipid envelope. Prions lack these nucleic acids entirely.
Compare prions to bacteria: Bacteria are cellular organisms that contain DNA and RNA, as well as proteins and carbohydrates. Prions, on the other hand, are non-cellular and consist only of misfolded proteins.
Clarify the misconception about prion composition: Prions do not contain lipids, carbohydrates, DNA, or RNA. They are solely protein-based, which is a key factor in their pathogenic mechanism.
Summarize the unique characteristic of prions: The absence of nucleic acids in prions is what sets them apart from other infectious agents, making them a unique class of pathogens that cause diseases by inducing abnormal folding of normal cellular proteins.