What is the role of the complement system in the antigen-antibody reaction?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the role of the complement system in the antigen-antibody reaction?
To produce antibodies
To enhance phagocytosis and lyse pathogens
To inhibit antibody production
To directly neutralize toxins
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the role of the complement system in the antigen-antibody reaction?
Step 1: Understand that the complement system is a part of the immune system that helps fight infections.
Step 2: Know that antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogens like bacteria and viruses.
Step 3: Learn that when antibodies bind to pathogens, they form what is called an antigen-antibody complex.
Step 4: Recognize that this complex can activate the complement system.
Step 5: Understand that once activated, the complement system can enhance phagocytosis, which is the process where immune cells engulf and destroy pathogens.
Step 6: Realize that the complement system can also directly lyse (break apart) pathogens, leading to their destruction.
