EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Most scientists think that BSE is caused by a protein called a prion. For reasons that are not completely understood, the normal prion protein changes into an abnormal prion protein that is harmful. The body of a sick cow does not even know the abnormal prion is there.

Detailed explanation-2: -Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), or Mad Cow Disease Currently, the most accepted theory is that the agent is a modified form of a normal protein known as prion protein.

Detailed explanation-3: -What causes prion disease? 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-4: -Mad cow disease is a progressive, fatal neurological disorder of cattle resulting from infection by a prion. It appears to be caused by contaminated cattle feed that contains the prion agent.

Detailed explanation-5: -Is mad cow disease a virus or bacteria? It’s neither. Mad cow disease is in a new class of infectious agents called prions. The disease is caused when a normal prion protein folds into an abnormal shape and no longer breaks down inside the body.