Radiation is a frequent method of sterilization. it is effective because it causes damage to dna. however, prions, the agents that cause diseases such as mad cow disease, are unaffected by these treatments because they lack dna. what is the definition of a prion? view available hint(s)radiation is a frequent method of sterilization. it is effective because it causes damage to dna. however, prions, the agents that cause diseases such as mad cow disease, are unaffected by these treatments because they lack dna. what is the definition of a prion? prions are proteins folded into the correct configuration. prions are small rna molecules that do not encode proteins. prions are proteins that are folded incorrectly. prions are small carbohydrate molecules that do not encode dna.