Understanding Familial Fatal Insomnia

What is Familial Fatal Insomnia (FFI)?

• A type of schizophrenia

• A rare genetic condition causing fatal insomnia

• A common sleep disorder

• A curable sleep disorder

At what age does Familial Fatal Insomnia typically begin to affect individuals?

• In childhood

• In their 70s

• In their 30s

• In their 50s

What part of the brain is primarily affected by FFI?

• Cortex

• Cerebellum

• Hippocampus

• Thalamus

What is the role of the PRNP gene in FFI?

• It prevents neural degeneration

• It is responsible for regulating sleep cycles

• It codes for the prion protein, which can mutate and cause brain tissue problems

• It codes for a protein that causes insomnia

What is a prion disease?

• A disease caused by genetic mutations

• A disease caused by bacteria

• A disease caused by a virus

• A disease caused by misfolded proteins

What is one hypothesis about the function of the prion protein?

• It regulates blood pressure

• It causes memory loss

• It helps in digestion

• It protects neural tissue

How might understanding the prion protein help in medical research?

• By developing new antibiotics

• By improving sleep quality

• By understanding memory and preventing neural aging

• By curing common colds

What is long-term potentiation?

• A technique for improving digestion

• A method of increasing blood flow

• A process of strengthening synaptic connections

• A process of weakening synaptic connections

What is one potential benefit of having more prion protein?

• Higher blood pressure

• Stronger memories

• Faster reflexes

• Increased risk of stroke

What is the significance of the prion protein being found in other mammals and birds?

• It shows that all animals suffer from FFI

• It suggests a common evolutionary ancestor

• It proves that prion diseases are contagious

• It indicates a potential beneficial role