AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a family of rare progressive neurodegenerative disorders that affect both humans and animals.

Detailed explanation-2: -Prion diseases occur when normal prion protein, found on the surface of many cells, becomes abnormal and clump in the brain, causing brain damage. This abnormal accumulation of protein in the brain can cause memory impairment, personality changes, and difficulties with movement.

Detailed explanation-3: -Prions are famous evildoers. These misfolded proteins cause deadly neurodegenerative diseases, including “mad cow disease, ” in mammals. Now, researchers may have discovered the first helpful function of a prionlike protein: the formation of long-term memories.

Detailed explanation-4: -Defining PrP function may shed light on pathological processes involved in prion diseases. The PrP has been shown to participate in several biological processes, including neuritogenesis, neuronal homeostasis, cell signalling, cell adhesion, and a protective role against stress.