When the C3 protein combines with a bacterial cell or virus and the complement cascade is activated, this activation of complement is described as the
A) Alternative pathway
B) Classical pathway
C) Nonspecific pathway
D) Both classical and alternative pathways

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The alternative pathway is activated when C3 protein directly binds to the surface of a pathogen, such as a bacterial cell or virus, without the need for antibodies.

When the C3 Protein Combines with a Bacterial Cell or Virus