Prions | Mad Cow Disease & Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD)

The video explains prion diseases, focusing on mad cow disease (BSE) and its human variant, CJD. It covers the transmission mechanisms, symptoms, and fatal nature of these diseases. The video also discusses the differences between classical CJD, Kuru, and variant CJD, highlighting the role of prion proteins in disease progression.

What is the human variant of Mad Cow Disease called?

• Kuru

• Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

• Classical Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

• Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

How does classical Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) primarily arise?

• Through consumption of infected meat

• Due to intrinsic misfolding of prion proteins

• By viral infection

• Through genetic inheritance

What is a key difference between Kuru and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD)?

• Kuru is transmitted through cow meat

• vCJD is not a prion disease

• vCJD requires eating human brains

• Kuru arises from eating infected human brains

What is the scientific name for Mad Cow Disease?

• Kuru

• Classical Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

• Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

• Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

What symptom is NOT typically associated with Mad Cow Disease in cattle?

• Weight loss

• Inability to stand

• Postural problems

• Improved coordination

What is a characteristic feature of spongiform encephalopathies in the brain?

• Increased brain size

• Swiss cheese-like appearance

• Improved memory function

• Enhanced neuron growth

Why is the transmission rate of vCJD from consuming infected cow meat not 100%?

• Cooking meat destroys prion proteins

• Humans are immune to prion proteins

• Prion proteins are concentrated in the cow's central nervous system

• Prion proteins are evenly distributed in the cow