The binding and coating of the surfaces of invading microbes by either antibodies or C3b is
A) aided by the release of cytokines by phagocytes
B) necessary for phagocytosis of all microbes
C) called oposonization
D) responsible for the direct lysis of invading microrganisms

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The binding and coating of the surfaces of invading microbes by either antibodies or C3b is called opsonization. This process facilitates their recognition and destruction by phagocytic cells. The release of cytokines by phagocytes may enhance the immune response, but it is not directly involved in opsonization. Not all microbes require opsonization for phagocytosis, but it improves the efficiency of the process. The direct lysis of invading microorganisms is not mediated by opsonization, but rather by other mechanisms such as complement activation or perforin-granzyme release.

The Binding and Coating of the Surfaces of Invading Microbes