[Biology Class Notes] on Prions Pdf for Exam

Prions are infectious proteins that long defied some of our basic biology ideas. They behave like other contagious organisms, yet they lack any of the most fundamental features of organisms. In particular, they lack any genetic material, i.e., DNA and RNA.

has provided notes on the Prions to give students a clear understanding of the topic. Experts of Biology have explained each concept in detail, like types of prion disease, symptoms of prions and many other things.  

Learn Types and Reasons of Prions with

has provided in-depth knowledge about the types of Prions disease. Prion is a disease of neurodegenerative disorder. It mainly affects the brain of the body. Prion term comes from the proteinaceous infectious particle. However, this can also arise from the mutation of genes. 

In the notes, biology experts have included the following types of Prions.

Apart from the types of Prions disease, experts have explained several other reasons for prions disease. It is always better to learn about the reasons for the disease to become more cautious about it. Often doctors have said if a person in the family suffered from prion disease, then maybe the next generation of the family suffer from the same. Following are the reasons experts have explained in the notes:

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Prion Disease with  

In the notes, students can find correct and accurate information about symptoms and diagnosis of Prions disease. 

What do symptoms and diagnosis mean?

In simple words, symptoms are the phenomenon that an individual experienced due to the disease. Consider it as a sign that tells you are affected by the disease or not.

Diagnosis is the process to identify which disease or condition explains symptoms and signs of the disease.  

Treatments of Prions

Humans have complex bodies. Scientists still have to figure out several new things. Prion disease is one of them; in today’s time, where technology has advanced so much still, we have not found the treatment for prions. 

Notes on Prions have included all these concepts in a more precise manner. Students can take advantage of these notes to prepare for competitive and board exams.

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More about Prions

Prion’s meaning is an atypical form of usually harmless protein, found in the brain. It is responsible for several neurodegenerative diseases among humans and animals.

Moreover, prion’s course of action is unlike any bacteria or virus. The reason being, it is just protein lacking any genetic material. In case a misfolded protein enters a human body, it affects the correctly-folded protein adversely.

Furthermore, in the early 1980s, Stanley B. Prusiner and his colleagues first identified the prions. Additionally, the term prion came from “proteinaceous infectious particle”. This misfolded protein enters a human or animal brain via infection. However, it can also arise from a mutation of the gene that encodes protein.

However, scientists have not fully understood the mechanism till date.

What is a Prion Infection?

Prion infection or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) is a family of uncommon progressive neurodegenerative disorders. It affects the brains of both humans and animals. Additionally, prions are the causative agents of TSEs.

Notably, this abnormal folding of protein can result in brain damage, and this disease is usually fatal.

Types of Prion Disease

CJD: This disease is related to the ‘mad cow disease’. Individuals can inherit this illness or develop it suddenly. However, most cases of CJD are sporadic and seen in people around the age of 60.

Variably Protease-Sensitive Prionopathy (VPSP): This prion definition is also rare, and has similarities with CJD. However, here the affected protein is less sensitive to digestion. This form of prion is witnessed in individuals around the age of 70, with a family history of dementia.

Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker Disease (GSS): This form is extremely rare and witnessed in people around the age of 40.

Kuru: This particular form of prion is mostly cured due to awareness. It appeared in New Guinea as a result of consuming human brain tissue contaminated with infected prions.

Fatal Insomnia: This is a rare form of insomnia. Moreover, it is hereditary; thus, there is no sporadic form of this disease.

Reasons for Prion Disease

The Reason Behind Prion Disease are –

• Prion disease can be genetic. Individuals with a family history of this disease are at risk of developing the mutation.

• Older adults suffer from sporadic prion disease.

• Moreover, consuming contaminated animal products with an altered prion structure can transmit this disease.

Last but not least, using contaminated medical equipment is a major reason behind its spread. Notably, a medical procedure like dura mater graft or cornea transplant with infected tissue can transmit it also.

Symptoms of Prion Disease

Prion disease has a long incubation period, often years. However, when symptoms develop, they worsen progressively and at times rapidly. Some of the common symptoms of this illness are –

• Changes in personality are the arrival of agitation, depression, etc.

• Rapidly developing dementia

• Disorientation

• Uncontrolled muscle spasms

• Insomnia

• Losing coordination

• Hallucinations

• Fatigue

• Difficulty in speaking

• Blindness

Diagnosis of Prions Disease

To Diagnose Prion Disease, Doctors use Different Tests such as –

• MRI, to scan the brain.

• Electroencephalogram to analyse brain waves.

• Collecting fluid samples from the spinal cord.

• Blood test

• Visual and neurological exams to diagnose vision loss and nerve damage.

• Treatment of Prion Disease

There is no specific treatment available for this illness. However, the application of medicine can slow its growth.

Prion’s meaning suggests that it is a complicated disease and has no treatment available. As a result, you should learn more about its traits along with those of other rare diseases with the help of our detailed study material. Now you can also download our app for convenient access to these study materials and online interactive sessions for enhanced clarity on these ailments.