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The membrane attack complex consist of:

A. OH
B. Colicins
C. C₃b₃b, Bb
D. C₅b, 6, 7, 8, 9
E. Properdin

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

The correct answer is D. C5b, C6, C7, C8, and C9, which form the membrane attack complex (MAC) that creates pores in pathogen membranes, causing lysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The membrane attack complex consists of components C5b, C6, C7, C8, and C9. These components come together to form a pore in the plasma membrane of a pathogen. This pore formation allows water to rush into the pathogen's hyperosmotic cytoplasm, leading to cell lysis and death of the pathogen. The membrane attack complex is a crucial part of the immune system's defense mechanism, particularly in the innate immune response, and is effective in destroying a wide range of bacteria through disruption of their osmotic balance.

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