Prions, infectious protein particles, can induce conformational changes in normal proteins, leading to diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. While exhibiting self-propagation, prions lack genetic material. Do prions challenge the conventional definition of living organisms, and why?
No, because they are composed of organic molecules.
Yes, because they lack heritable genetic material yet exhibit a form of 'reproduction'.
No, because they interact with living organisms.
Yes, because they cause disease.
Related Questions
A defining feature of living organisms is their ability to respond to stimuli. Which of these is an example of a plant responding to a stimulus?
A rock rolling down a hill
Water evaporating from a puddle
Phototropism in a sunflower
Salt dissolving in water
