prion theory
Prion theory refers to the idea that certain diseases are caused by misfolded proteins, known as prions. Unlike bacteria or viruses, prions do not contain genetic material. Instead, they induce normal proteins in the brain to change their shape, leading to a chain reaction of misfolding. This process can result in serious neurodegenerative conditions, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease. Prions are particularly harmful because they can be resistant to standard methods of sterilization and can accumulate in the brain, disrupting normal function and causing severe symptoms and ultimately death.
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Prion theory centers around prions, which are misfolded proteins that can cause diseases by inducing other normal proteins in the brain to misfold as well. Unlike bacteria or viruses, prions contain no genetic material. When these abnormal proteins accumulate, they lead to brain damage and neurological symptoms. Diseases linked to prions include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans and mad cow disease in cattle. The theory highlights how infectious agents can exist in a non-traditional form, challenging previous understandings of how diseases are transmitted and developing, and emphasizing the profound impact proteins have on health.