Prions | Mechanisms of Huntington's Disease & the Huntingtin Prion

The video explains Huntington's disease, focusing on its genetic basis, particularly the role of GTC repeats in the Huntington gene. It describes how these repeats lead to protein misfolding, forming prions that disrupt cellular functions. The disease primarily affects the basal nuclei, impairing movement control. Misfolded proteins cause cellular dysfunction, leading to neuron death and disease progression. The video also compares Huntington's with other prion diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, highlighting similar mechanisms.

What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

• Protein is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into DNA.

• RNA is transcribed into DNA, which is translated into protein.

• DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into protein.

• DNA is translated into RNA, which is transcribed into protein.

What is the critical threshold of GTC repeats that leads to Huntington's disease?

• More than 50 repeats

• Less than 20 repeats

• 36 or more repeats

• Exactly 30 repeats

What amino acid is encoded by the CAG codon in the Huntington protein?

• Serine

• Arginine

• Glutamine

• Lysine

How does the misfolding of the Huntington protein affect its structure?

• Increases beta strands and decreases alpha helices

• Decreases both alpha helices and beta strands

• Increases alpha helices and decreases beta strands

• Increases both alpha helices and beta strands

What is the primary symptom associated with the degeneration of the basal nuclei in Huntington's disease?

• Loss of memory

• Uncontrolled movements

• Loss of vision

• Hearing impairment

What cellular process is impaired by misfolded Huntington proteins?

• Protein synthesis

• RNA transcription

• DNA replication

• Vesicle transport

What is a consequence of increased calcium influx due to misfolded proteins?

• Enhanced cell growth

• Increased protein synthesis

• Mitochondrial toxicity

• Improved DNA repair

What happens when cytochrome C leaks into the cytoplasm?

• It enhances protein synthesis

• It promotes cell division

• It induces apoptosis

• It repairs DNA

Which protein is associated with Parkinson's disease?

• Beta amyloid

• Parkin

• Tau

• Huntington

What is a common feature of prion diseases like Huntington's and Alzheimer's?

• Enhanced DNA replication

• Protein misfolding

• Improved cellular transport

• Increased protein synthesis