The membrane attack complex is used by macrophages to mark bacteria for phagocytosis and antibody attack.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The membrane attack complex (MAC) is actually used by the immune system as a way to directly attack and destroy bacterial cells, rather than simply marking them for phagocytosis or antibody attack. The MAC is a structure made up of several complement proteins that assemble together to form a pore-like structure in the bacterial cell membrane, which ultimately leads to the lysis (destruction) of the bacterial cell. Macrophages are immune cells that can phagocytize (engulf and digest) bacteria, but they do not rely on the MAC to do so.

The Membrane Attack Complex Is Used by Macrophages to Mark