Prions cause mad cow disease.. it has infectious protein coat with out genetic material..

Understanding Mad-Cow Disease
Mad-cow disease, scientifically known as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects cattle. The causative agent of this disease is a prion.
What are Prions?
- Prions are misfolded proteins that can induce other normal proteins in the brain to also misfold.
- Unlike viruses, bacteria, or worms, prions lack nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), which makes them unique and resistant to conventional sterilization techniques.
Mechanism of Action
- When prions enter the body, they interact with normal brain proteins, causing a chain reaction of misfolding.
- This leads to the accumulation of abnormal proteins, resulting in brain damage and the characteristic symptoms of the disease.
Transmission
- Prions can be transmitted through contaminated feed or bodily fluids of infected animals.
- Consumption of infected meat can lead to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in humans, a fatal neurodegenerative condition.
Implications of Prion Diseases
- Prion diseases are notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat, as they can remain asymptomatic for years.
- The public health implications are significant, leading to strict regulations in meat processing and animal feed.
Conclusion
In summary, mad-cow disease is caused by prions, which are abnormal proteins that lead to severe neurological damage in affected animals and can have serious implications for human health. Understanding the nature of prions is crucial for controlling and preventing the spread of this disease.