Examine the figure below.

Which of the following could happen to the bacterium depicted in this figure?
A) The bacterium could use the complement protein to mimic the host's self-antigens and avoid detection.
B) The complement protein could attract a cytotoxic B cell that would phagocytize the bacterium.
C) The complement proteins could attract other complement proteins that would form a complex that forms a hole in the bacterium's plasma membrane.
D) The complement protein could attract a cytotoxic T cell that would inject toxins into the bacterium.

Question

Examine the figure below.

Which of the following could happen to the bacterium depicted in this figure?
A) The bacterium could use the complement protein to mimic the host's self-antigens and avoid detection. 
B) The complement protein could attract a cytotoxic B cell that would phagocytize the bacterium. 
C) The complement proteins could attract other complement proteins that would form a complex that forms a hole in the bacterium's plasma membrane. 
D) The complement protein could attract a cytotoxic T cell that would inject toxins into the bacterium.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The figure shows the complement system attacking a bacterium by forming a membrane attack complex (MAC) which creates a hole in the bacterium's plasma membrane, causing it to lyse. Therefore, the correct option is C. Option A is incorrect because it refers to molecular mimicry, which is a strategy used by pathogens to evade the host's immune system, but it is not related to the complement system. Option B is incorrect because complement proteins do not attract B cells but rather opsonize pathogens to enhance their phagocytosis by immune cells such as macrophages. Option D is incorrect because cytotoxic T cells target infected host cells, not bacteria.

Examine the Figure Below