Which of the following components of the complement cascade is mismatched with its function?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To tackle this question, I’ll evaluate each option by matching the component to its well-established function in the complement cascade.
Option 1: C3b: opsonisation. C3b is a key opsonin; it binds to pathogen surfaces and marks them for phagocytosis by neutrophils and macrophages. This function is accurate and widely recognized in immunology, so this match is correct.
Option 2: C8: contributes to the membrane attack complex (MAC). C8 is indeed a component that inserts into the pathogen membrane as part of the MAC assembly, facilitating pore formation. This is a correct description of its role, so this match is also accurate.
Option 3: C5b: enhances inflammation. Here the mismatch occurs. C5b itself does not primarily drive inflammation; its role is to help initiate MAC formation by associating with C6–C9 to assemble the MAC. The inflammatory response in the complement system is mainly mediated by C5a (and to a lesser extent C3a and C4a as anaphylatoxins). Therefore, labeling C5b as enhancing inflammation is incorrect and constitutes a mismatch.
Option 4: C3a: enhances inflammation. C3a is an anaphylatoxin that promotes inflammation by inducing vasodilation, increasing vascular permeability, and attracting immune cells. This is a correct and well-established function, so this match is accurate.
In summary, with respect to the stated functions, options 1, 2, and 4 describe correct roles for their respective components, while option 3 assigns an inflammatory role to C5b that actually belongs to C5a, making it the mismatched pair.

Anatomy and Physiology Systems II (1017MSC_NA_3255)

Which of the following components of the complement cascade is mismatched with its function?

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