Final answer:
The complement pathway is made up of soluble proteins called complement proteins that bind to the surfaces of microorganisms and destroy extracellular pathogens. These proteins undergo a specific and regulated sequence of activation, leading to the coating of the pathogen with complement proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The complement pathway consists of a group of soluble proteins called complement proteins, which function to destroy extracellular pathogens. These proteins bind to the surfaces of microorganisms, particularly pathogens that are already bound by antibodies. The complement proteins then undergo a specific and highly regulated sequence of activation, resulting in the coating of the pathogen with complement proteins.