How do prions propagate within the host organism via a chain reaction?

Answer

The abnormal protein acts as a template, forcing the normal $ ext{PrP}^C$ to refold into the destructive conformation.

Prion propagation occurs through autocatalytic conversion where the invading $ ext{PrP}^{ ext{Sc}}$ template forces the native $ ext{PrP}^C$ to adopt the misfolded, infectious beta-sheet conformation, leading to exponential growth.

How do prions propagate within the host organism via a chain reaction?

#Videos

2-Minute Neuroscience: Prion Diseases - YouTube

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