Viroids, Virusoids, and Prions - Unique Infectious Agents Beyond Viruses
Summary :Comparative study of non-conventional infectious agents: viroids (small circular RNA without protein coat), virusoids (defective RNA requiring plant viruses), and prions (infectious misfolded proteins). Covers structure, mechanism of infection, diseases caused (potato spindle tuber, TSE/mad cow disease), replication without nucleic acid (prions), and diagnostic/preventive measures.