Mad cow disease in cattle is caused by an organism which has :-
Answer: (B) abnormally folded protein. Answer: (B) abnormally folded protein Solution: Mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE) is caused by prions, which are infectious agents consisting of an abnormally folded protein.
- A.inert crystalline structure
- B.abnormally folded protein✓
- C.free RNA without protein coat
- D.free DNA without protein coat
Correct Answer
(B) abnormally folded protein
Solution & Explanation
Answer: (B) abnormally folded protein Solution: Mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE) is caused by prions, which are infectious agents consisting of an abnormally folded protein. An inert crystalline structure describes viruses, free RNA without a protein coat describes viroids, and free DNA is not the causal agent here. NCERT Reference: NCERT Class XI, Biological Classification, p.21, lines 31-35 — "transmitted by an agent consisting of abnormally folded protein... called prions... mad cow disease"