The alternative pathway is an amplification loop for C3b formation that is accelerated by properdin in the presence of pathogens. The alternative pathway of complement activation has an important role in innate immunity, due to its ability to greatly amplify the amount of C3b deposited onto the pathogen surface. This amplification occurs because:The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway is much more active than those of the classical and lectin pathways.The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway works as a soluble enzyme in the plasma.The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway cannot be inactivated by complement regulatory factors in the host.The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway is more efficiently recruited to pathogen surfaces than the C3 convertases of the classical and lectin pathways.The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway contains C3b, and can generate more of itself.

The alternative pathway is one of three complement pathways that opsonize and kill pathogens. This…

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Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

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The alternative pathway is an amplification loop for C3b formation that is accelerated by properdin in the presence of pathogens. The alternative pathway of complement activation has an important role in innate immunity, due to its ability to greatly amplify the amount of C3b deposited onto the pathogen surface. This amplification occurs because:

The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway is much more active than those of the classical and lectin pathways.
The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway works as a soluble enzyme in the plasma.
The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway cannot be inactivated by complement regulatory factors in the host.
The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway is more efficiently recruited to pathogen surfaces than the C3 convertases of the classical and lectin pathways.
The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway contains C3b, and can generate more of itself.

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