Question

Complement protein C3b can bind to a cell and function as an 'opsonin'. The word 'opsonin' as used in this sentence indicates that C3b can:

Group of answer choices

alter the DNA of the cell

block attachment of a virus to the cell

enhance attachment of a virus to the cell

target the cell for ingestion by a phagocytic cell

cause the cell to grow out of control

Answer 1

Answer :

Option - target the cell for ingestion by a phagocytic cell

An Opsonin is a substance that binds to foreign cells making them more susceptible to phagocytosis

C3b is a part of the complement component 3 and plays an important part in the innate immune system of an individual. A pathogen coated with C3b binds to the receptor on the surface of phagocytes and these cells then engulf and destroy the pathogen.

C3b enhances the ability of an entity to be phagocytosed and hence is said to be acting like an Opsonin.