What is the end product of the complement cascade that forms pores in microbial membranes?

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Multiple Choice

What is the end product of the complement cascade that forms pores in microbial membranes?

Explanation:
The key concept is how the complement system ends by creating a pore-forming structure that lyses microbes. After activation, C5 is split to C5b, which then sequentially binds C6, C7, C8, and multiple C9 molecules to form the membrane attack complex. This MAC inserts into the microbial membrane and creates a transmembrane pore, disrupting the membrane and causing lysis. Other outcomes of complement, like C3b-mediated opsonization or C5a-driven inflammation, do not produce pores, and C1q is involved in initiating the pathway rather than forming the pore-forming complex.

The key concept is how the complement system ends by creating a pore-forming structure that lyses microbes. After activation, C5 is split to C5b, which then sequentially binds C6, C7, C8, and multiple C9 molecules to form the membrane attack complex. This MAC inserts into the microbial membrane and creates a transmembrane pore, disrupting the membrane and causing lysis. Other outcomes of complement, like C3b-mediated opsonization or C5a-driven inflammation, do not produce pores, and C1q is involved in initiating the pathway rather than forming the pore-forming complex.

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