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
Among the following choose the properties shown by the living organism exclusively?
I. growth
II. increase in mass
III. self-replication ability
IV. response to touch stimuli
I and II
II and IV
I and III
III and IV