Question

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy is caused by

• A. an agent having RNA without protein coat
• B. an agent having RNA with protein coat
• C. an agent consisting of abnormally folded protein
• D. an agent having ill-defined nucleus wth cell wall

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease is caused by prions which are abnormally folded proteins that can transmit their abnormality to normal proteins. RNA without protein coat is seen in a viroid. RNA with a protein coat is seen in plant viruses and certain animal viruses. An ill-defined nucleus with a cell wall is seen in bacteria.