Class NEET 2026 ALL Q #2000
KNOWLEDGE BASED
APPLY
4 Marks 2026 NTA-RE-NEET-2026 MCQ SINGLE
Mad cow disease is caused by
(A) Mycoplasma sp.
(B) prions
(C) viroids
(D) Aspergillus sp.
Correct Answer: B

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Detailed Solution

Step 1: Analyze the biological agents

Mad cow disease, scientifically known as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), is a neurodegenerative disease in cattle. To identify the cause, we must evaluate the nature of the options provided.

Step 2: Evaluate the options

Mycoplasma are bacteria lacking cell walls. Viroids are infectious RNA particles that primarily infect plants. Aspergillus is a genus of fungi. Prions are misfolded proteins that act as infectious agents by inducing abnormal folding of normal cellular proteins in the brain.

Step 3: Conclusion

Scientific research confirms that BSE is caused by the accumulation of misfolded prion proteins. Therefore, prions are the causative agents of Mad cow disease.

Final Answer: prions

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Pedagogical Audit
Bloom's Analysis: This is an APPLY question because the student must retrieve specific biological knowledge regarding infectious agents and apply it to identify the correct pathogen for a specific disease.
Knowledge Dimension: FACTUAL
Justification: The question tests the recall of specific terminology and classification of pathogens as defined in the NCERT Biology curriculum.
Syllabus Audit: In the context of NEET, this is classified as KNOWLEDGE. This question aligns with the Biological Classification chapter, specifically the section on Viruses, Viroids, and Prions.