The prions believed to cause TSEs

Question

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Prions causing TSEs show different forms (or strains) in different species, suggesting that their three-dimensional structures vary depending on the host animal. This is one of the reasons why prion diseases can be difficult to diagnose and study, as the same prion protein can produce different symptoms and pathology in different species. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe prions and their role in causing TSEs. Prions are misfolded versions of normal cellular proteins, and their abnormal conformation is what makes them pathogenic. They do not necessarily perform important functions in their host animals, and their length is not related to their pathogenicity. Finally, prions can adopt different conformations within a given species, but they are not identical across all species.

The Prions Believed to Cause TSEs