The complement system can alter a microbial cell membrane through a process of ___ that makes the microbe more "visible" to a phagocyte.

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Opsonization is the process by which bacteria or other foreign cells are marked for ingestion and destruction by phagocytes (such as neutrophils and macrophages). In this process, the complement system can attach to the surface of the microbe and "coat" it with opsonins (such as C3b), which allows phagocytes to recognize and engulf the microbe more easily. This makes the microbe more "visible" to phagocytes, enabling a more rapid response to infection.

The Complement System Can Alter a Microbial Cell Membrane Through