Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
prion
This term describes a specific type of proteinaceous infectious particle. Unlike viruses or bacteria, it contains no nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), making it a unique biological anomaly that challenges traditional definitions of infectious agents.
In a clinical or scientific register, the word is used to describe the causative agents of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy. It carries a heavy connotation of inevitability and severity due to the currently incurable nature of prion-based diseases.
Meanings
Examples
A prion is a misfolded protein that can induce other proteins to change shape.
The scientist explained how a single prion can trigger a chain reaction in the brain.
Is it true that a prion cannot be destroyed by standard sterilization methods?
The patient was diagnosed with a disease caused by a prion.
I wonder if a prion could ever be engineered for therapeutic purposes.
Prions are responsible for the transmission of mad cow disease.
Prions are responsible for the transmission of mad cow disease.
The lab is strictly regulated to prevent the accidental release of any prion.
Unlike viruses, a prion contains no genetic material like DNA or RNA.