Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

21. Principles of Disease

4) Avoiding Complement System

Microbiology

21. Principles of Disease

4) Avoiding Complement System

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Multiple Choice

Which types of pathogenic bacteria are susceptible to MACs and why?

Gram-positive bacteria because MACs easily pass through the thick cell wall to reach the plasma membrane.

Gram-negative bacteria because the MACs attack their outer membrane which is not protected by the cell wall.

Both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria are susceptible to MACs.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane.

Learn about the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC), which is part of the immune system's complement pathway. MACs form pores in the membranes of target cells, leading to cell lysis.

Recognize that the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is a key target for MACs. This outer membrane is not present in Gram-positive bacteria, which have a thick peptidoglycan layer instead.

Analyze why Gram-negative bacteria are more susceptible to MACs. The MACs can insert into the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, leading to cell lysis, whereas the thick peptidoglycan layer of Gram-positive bacteria provides a protective barrier.

Conclude that Gram-negative bacteria are susceptible to MACs due to their outer membrane, which is vulnerable to attack, unlike the protective thick cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria.