answersLogoWhite

0

All prion diseases are inevitably fatal; there are no known cures. You can inactivate them, not kill them. They are technically not alive. Think of them more like a substance, a protein to be exact.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What are groups of the microorganisms?

protozoa fungi bacteria viruses prions


Are viruses the smallest pathogens?

No, prions are smaller still.


What are 2 non-living pathogens?

Viruses and prions are examples of non-living pathogens. Viruses require host cells to replicate, while prions are misfolded proteins that can cause disease by inducing other proteins to misfold.


Why don't viruses and prions qualify as organisms?

Both are missing some key characteristics of life - prions more so than viruses. The most prominent feature that is missing is the ability to reproduce without a host. Viruses can't reproduce without a host cell and prions can't propagate without a normal protein that is transformed into a prion.


What are some characteristics of members of residents microbiota?

Archaea,Bacteria,Prions and Viruses


Describe how can viruses and prions can alter cell function?

Viruses can alter cell function by entering host cells and using their machinery to replicate and produce more virus particles. Prions, on the other hand, are misfolded proteins that can induce normal proteins in the cell to also misfold and accumulate, disrupting normal cellular function. Both viruses and prions can cause damage to cells, leading to various diseases and health problems.


Why not use antibacterial or antiviral drugs to destroy prions?

Prions are not susceptible to antibacterial or antiviral drugs because they are not living organisms like bacteria or viruses. Prions are misfolded proteins that cause other proteins to misfold, leading to disease. They are resistant to most traditional forms of disinfection or drug treatment.


Do all scientists believe viruses are alive?

Certainly not. It is a hotly debated subject. Viruses (and prions for that matter) are not alive in a conventional sense.


Viruses are the smallest known infectious agents?

Prions are the smallest known infectious agents.


What are 5 classes of infectious agents?

Prions, Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, and Animal Parasites.


What incomplete viruses have been linked to diseases like scrapie and mad cow?

Prions.


What is infectious diseases caused by?

"germs" -- bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and possibly prions