Open Question
A decrease in the production of C3 would result in
a. increased susceptibility to infection.
b. increased numbers of white blood cells.
c. increased phagocytosis.
d. activation of C5 through C9.
e. none of the above
19. Innate Immunity
Effects of the Complement System
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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?
A
Cell lysis of the bacterium.
B
Opsonization.
C
Triggering an inflammatory response.
D
Antibodies binding to the bacterium.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of complement protein C3b in the immune system. C3b is part of the complement system, which enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells.
Recognize that C3b is crucial for opsonization, a process where pathogens are marked for ingestion and destruction by phagocytes.
Identify that if a bacterium avoids binding with C3b, it can evade opsonization, thereby preventing phagocytes from recognizing and engulfing it.
Consider the other immune responses listed: cell lysis, triggering an inflammatory response, and antibodies binding to the bacterium. These processes are not directly dependent on C3b binding.
Conclude that the bacterium's ability to avoid C3b binding primarily helps it evade opsonization, as this is the immune response most directly affected by the lack of C3b interaction.
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