Questions: Which of the following is a function of the complement system?
Destroys plasma membranes
Reduce protein synthesis
Degrade viral DNA
Blocks inflammation
Transcript text: Which of the following is a function of the complement system?
Destroys plasma membranes
Reduce protein synthesis
Degrade viral DNA
Blocks inflammation
Solution
The answer is the first one: Destroys plasma membranes.
Explanation for each option:
Destroys plasma membranes: This is correct. The complement system is part of the immune system that enhances the ability to clear microbes and damaged cells. One of its functions is to form the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC), which creates pores in the plasma membranes of pathogens, leading to cell lysis and destruction.
Reduce protein synthesis: This is incorrect. The complement system does not directly reduce protein synthesis. Its primary role is in immune defense, not in regulating protein synthesis.
Degrade viral DNA: This is incorrect. The complement system does not directly degrade viral DNA. It targets pathogens for destruction but does not specifically degrade DNA.
Blocks inflammation: This is incorrect. The complement system actually promotes inflammation. It helps recruit immune cells to sites of infection and enhances the inflammatory response.
In summary, the complement system's function related to the options provided is to destroy plasma membranes.