What is the primary function of the complement system in the immune response?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
What is the primary function of the complement system in the immune response?
To produce antibodies
To enhance phagocytosis
To directly lyse pathogens
To activate T cells
The complement system enhances phagocytosis through opsonization and can directly lyse pathogens via the formation of the membrane attack complex.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: What is the primary function of the complement system in the immune response?
Solution: The complement system enhances phagocytosis through opsonization and can directly lyse pathogens via the formation of the membrane attack complex.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand that the complement system is a part of the immune system.
Step 2: Know that its main job is to help the body fight off infections.
Step 3: Learn that it does this by marking pathogens (like bacteria) for destruction, a process called opsonization.
Step 4: Realize that the complement system can also directly attack and destroy pathogens by forming a structure called the membrane attack complex.
Step 5: Conclude that the complement system enhances the immune response by both marking pathogens and directly killing them.
