Question

How do prions affect the brain?

Answer 1

Prions are said to be virus-like organisms made up of a prion protein.

1. They have elongated fibrils that are said to be aggregations of the protein that makes them infectious prion.
2. Prions attacks nerve cell fibers producing neurodegenerative brain disease.
3. "Mad cow" symptoms include glazed eyes and uncontrollable body tremor caused by prions.

Prions effect on the brain:

1. Prions trigger the normal proteins to be misfolded and accumulate in the brain eventually leading to tissue damage.
2. Accumulation of prions in the brain leads to the shortening of dendrites and the formation of tiny holes in brain tissue giving it a sponge-like appearance.