Which molecules facilitate opsonization?

Which molecules facilitate opsonization?

• A. Lipids and carbohydrates.
• B. Antibodies and complement components.
• C. Ribosomes and mitochondria.
• D. Nucleotides and amino acids.

Answer: (B)

Opsonization is the process of coating a microbe with molecules that help phagocytes recognize and ingest it. The main opsonins are antibodies and components of the complement system. Antibodies bind to the pathogen’s surface, and their constant region (the Fc portion) is recognized by Fc receptors on phagocytes, which enhances engulfment. Complement proteins, especially C3b, can attach directly to the microbe and are detected by complement receptors on phagocytes, promoting phagocytosis as well. Because these tags directly encourage phagocytes to grab and swallow the pathogen, they are the best answer. Lipids and carbohydrates on the surface aren’t the classic tagging molecules for this process, and ribosomes, mitochondria, nucleotides, and amino acids are not involved in opsonization.

Opsonization is the process of coating a microbe with molecules that help phagocytes recognize and ingest it. The main opsonins are antibodies and components of the complement system. Antibodies bind to the pathogen’s surface, and their constant region (the Fc portion) is recognized by Fc receptors on phagocytes, which enhances engulfment. Complement proteins, especially C3b, can attach directly to the microbe and are detected by complement receptors on phagocytes, promoting phagocytosis as well. Because these tags directly encourage phagocytes to grab and swallow the pathogen, they are the best answer. Lipids and carbohydrates on the surface aren’t the classic tagging molecules for this process, and ribosomes, mitochondria, nucleotides, and amino acids are not involved in opsonization.