Question

How does the alternative complement pathway kill the invading microbial cell?
Choose one:
A. It destroys the proton motive force required for energy production.
B. It causes the oxidation of the microbe's membranes by producing superoxide ion.
C. It enhances the phagocytosis of the microbes by host cells.
D. It stimulates the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which trap the microbes and kill them with antimicrobial compounds.

Answer 1

Answer:

The alternative complement pathway kill the invading microbial cell by enhancing the phagocytosis of microbes by host cells.

Option: (C)

Explanation:

• The complement pathway is an immune system which destroys the microbes with protein complex and phagocytes.

• It has tree types namely 'classical, alternative and lectin pathway'.

• In alternative complement pathway complex $\mathrm{C}_{3}$ protein complex kills the microbes in two ways,

1. It attaches to the cell wall of the bacteria and kills by lysis
2. Stimulates the formation of "Membrane Attack Complex(MAC)" which causes lysis of the bacteria.