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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is necessary for the replication of a prion?
A
Viral enzymes
B
Bacterial ribosomes
C
Presence of nucleic acids
D
Host cellular proteins
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand what prions are: Prions are infectious proteins that can cause disease by inducing abnormal folding of specific normal cellular proteins found most abundantly in the brain.
Recognize that prions do not contain nucleic acids: Unlike viruses and bacteria, prions lack DNA or RNA, which means they do not rely on nucleic acids for replication.
Identify the role of host cellular proteins: Prions replicate by converting normal proteins into the misfolded prion form. This process requires the presence of host cellular proteins, which are the substrates for prion replication.
Eliminate other options: Since prions do not have nucleic acids, they do not require viral enzymes or bacterial ribosomes for replication. These components are typically involved in the replication of viruses and bacteria, not prions.
Conclude that host cellular proteins are necessary: The replication of prions depends on the presence of host cellular proteins, which they convert into more prions, leading to the spread of the infectious agent.