The figure below shows the ________ pathway.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The figure shows the alternative complement pathway, which is one of the three pathways (the classical, lectin, and alternative pathways) that activate the complement system in response to pathogens. The figure shows the activation steps of the alternative pathway, which involves the spontaneous hydrolysis of C3 to C3(H2O), the binding of factor B to C3(H2O), the cleavage of factor B by factor D, and the formation of the alternative pathway C3 convertase (C3(H2O)Bb). This convertase cleaves C3 to C3a and C3b, which initiates downstream complement activation and inflammation.

The Figure Below Shows the ________ Pathway