Multiple Choice
A pathogenic bacterium that is able to avoid binding with the complement protein C3b would most likely protect itself from which of the following immune responses?
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21. The Immune System
Effects of the Complement System
Multiple Choice
The complement system can lead to the removal or destruction of invading microbes and the inflammatory response. Which immune response of the complement system is not effective against gram-positive (+) pathogenic bacteria?
A
Opsonization of invading microbe.
B
Inflammatory response.
C
Cell lysis of invading microbe.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the complement system: The complement system is a part of the immune system that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells, promote inflammation, and attack the pathogen's cell membrane.
Identify the mechanisms of the complement system: The complement system can lead to opsonization, inflammation, and cell lysis. Opsonization involves marking pathogens for destruction by phagocytes, inflammation recruits immune cells to the site of infection, and cell lysis involves the destruction of the pathogen's cell membrane.
Recognize the structure of gram-positive bacteria: Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which makes them resistant to certain immune responses, particularly those targeting the cell membrane.
Analyze why cell lysis is ineffective: The thick peptidoglycan layer in gram-positive bacteria prevents the complement system from effectively lysing the cell membrane, as the membrane attack complex (MAC) cannot penetrate this layer.
Conclude the effectiveness of other responses: While cell lysis is ineffective against gram-positive bacteria, opsonization and the inflammatory response can still be effective in targeting these pathogens by enhancing phagocytosis and recruiting immune cells.
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