What structural configuration characterizes the pathogenic $ ext{PrP}^{ ext{Sc}}$ protein?
Answer
It adopts a configuration dominated by rigid, flat structures known as beta-sheets.
The infectious form, $ ext{PrP}^{ ext{Sc}}$, differs from the normal $ ext{PrP}^C$ by adopting a three-dimensional folding pattern rich in beta-sheets, whereas the normal protein is dominated by alpha-helices.
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