The Question is from neet-botany , and it was created by the author D VINOD

Question

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?

D VINOD · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Definition of life and characteristics of living organisms
 **Related Topics**: Virology, microbiology, prion diseases
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of basic biology, including the role of genetic material in reproduction and the characteristics typically associated with living organisms.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  Prions are infectious protein particles that cause conformational changes in normal proteins, leading to disease.
  Prions self-propagate.
  Prions lack genetic material.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the conventional definition of a living organism.
  Reasoning: Living organisms typically exhibit characteristics such as growth, reproduction, metabolism, response to stimuli, and adaptation.  These characteristics are often linked to the presence of genetic material (DNA or RNA) that directs these processes.
 2. Assess whether prions fit this definition.
  Working: Prions exhibit self-propagation, which resembles a form of reproduction. However, they lack genetic material, a key component in the reproduction of living organisms.  Their self-propagation involves the conversion of normal proteins into prion forms through conformational changes, not through replication of genetic material.
 3. Determine if the lack of genetic material and self-propagation challenges the conventional definition.
  Result: The lack of genetic material in prions, coupled with their ability to self-propagate, challenges the conventional definition of a living organism because it disrupts the established link between heritable genetic material and reproduction.
  Verification: The question asks if prions challenge the conventional definition of life.  The answer focuses on the defining characteristic of life — reproduction — and the lack thereof in the case of prions.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Prions are composed of organic molecules, but this alone does not define life.  Many non-living things are also composed of organic molecules.
B ✓: This option correctly identifies that the lack of genetic material yet the presence of self-propagation challenges the definition of life.  This is the core argument.
C :x: Interacting with living organisms is not a defining characteristic of life.  Many non-living things interact with living organisms (e.g., viruses).
D :x: Causing disease is not a defining characteristic of life.  Many non-living things can also cause disease (e.g., toxins).
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1. Focusing solely on the fact that prions are organic molecules or cause disease without considering the critical aspect of reproduction.
   How to avoid: Carefully analyze the definition of a living organism and the characteristics of prions in relation to this definition.
  2. Overlooking the significance of the self-propagation of prions in the context of reproduction.
   How to avoid:  Understand that self-propagation, even without genetic material, raises questions about the conventional definition of reproduction in living organisms.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1. Review the characteristics of life (growth, reproduction, metabolism, response to stimuli, adaptation, organization).  Consider which characteristics prions possess and which they lack.
  2. Remember that the conventional definition of life is based on the presence and role of genetic material in reproduction and other life processes.

D VINOD · Answer

No, because they are composed of organic molecules.

D VINOD · Answer

The correct Option is "Yes, because they lack heritable genetic material yet exhibit a form of 'reproduction'."

D VINOD · Answer

No, because they interact with living organisms.

D VINOD · Answer

Yes, because they cause disease.

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