Biological Classification Question 122

122. The causative agent of mad-cow disease is a

(a) Prion

(b) Worm

(c) Bacterium

(d) Virus

Show Answer

Answer : a

Hints & Solutions

(a) Mad cow disease is actually Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy or BSE. In this disease cattles in Britain got spongy brain & ultimately gradual degradation of nervous system. It is caused by some virus like but nucleic acid devoid proteinaceous particles called prions (proteinaceous infectious particle).