Complement system

Question 1

What is the complement system?

Answer 1

A group of proteins found in the blood, that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytes to clear pathogens from an organism.

Question 2

Is the complement system part of the adaptive or innate immune system?

Answer 2

Innate

Question 3

Where are the proteins that make up the complement system come from?

Answer 3

They are mostly synthesised by the liver

Question 4

In what form do the proteins of the complement circulate in the blood?

Answer 4

Pre-proteins

Inactive precursors which are then activated by a trigger

Question 5

How many proteins make up the complement system?

Answer 5

About 30

Question 6

What 4 things does the complement do?

Answer 6

1. Opsonisation
2. Chemotaxis
3. Cell lysis
4. Agglutination

Question 7

What is opsonisation?

Answer 7

Enhancing p