Answer:
Prions are infectious agents which are responsible for neurodegenerative diseases in animals. Prions cause the refolding of the alpha helical and coil forms of protein structure into beta sheets.
Explanation:
The alpha sheets and coil structures assume <u>helical structures</u> and therefore would give different physiological properties to protein. When they are converted into beta sheets, which are <em>flat and parallel</em>, the structure and function of the protein get altered.
The cellular form of the protein is sensitive to proteases whereas the misfolded protein is <em>not affected</em> by proteases. The misfolded form perpetuates itself by causing the newly synthesized normal form of protein to become <u>degenerate</u>.
<em>Kuru</em> was the first disease caused by prion in humans.,
