What is a current hypothesis that explains the infectious nature of prion diseases?
A) The virus responsible for prion diseases is transmissible.
B) Unfavorable environmental factors negatively influence healthy cells.
C) The small molecule denaturants found in infected cells are passed on to healthy cells.
D) The presence of an improperly folded prion protein promotes the misfolding of normal prion proteins.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hypothesis currently accepted to explain the infectious nature of prion diseases postulates that the presence of an improperly folded prion protein promotes the misfolding of normal prion proteins, leading to the spread of the disease. This theory suggests that prion diseases are caused by a protein rather than by a virus or another infectious agent.

What Is a Current Hypothesis That Explains the Infectious Nature