Q43 - Self-Templating Misfolding Drives Prion Disease Dynamics
John Griffith (1928-1972) explained the biology of prion diseases. Prions are proteins which have folded incorrectly into a more stable form. When a prion comes into contact with its correctly folded counterpart, it catalyses this protein to also re-fold into a prion. Prion build-ups, which resist proteolysis, damage the brain, and in the 1990s millions of cattle (Bos taurus) in the UK had to be destroyed to prevent prions from spreading.
Using the information and data, determine which of the statements are true or which are false.
A. At the start of disease, prions accumulate exponentially.
B. Animal prion diseases may spread to humans.
C. Cattle with some genetic variants may be protected from prion diseases.
D. Banning animal protein supplements in livestock diets is an effective way to reduce prion diseases.
Question reproduced from IBO 2017, Theoretical Exam B, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 - attributed to the International Biology Olympiad. Open the full exam PDF · Official answer key & worked solutions