What is one of the primary functions of the complement system?

The complement system is a crucial component of the immune response, primarily involved in enhancing the body's ability to fight infections and clear away pathogens. One of its key functions is to lead to cell lysis, which refers to the process of breaking down cell membranes of pathogens, particularly bacteria, thereby resulting in their destruction.

Through a series of complex biochemical reactions, activated complement proteins form a membrane attack complex that penetrates the cell membrane of target cells, causing them to burst. Additionally, the complement system plays a significant role in controlling inflammation by generating inflammation-promoting molecules. These molecules attract immune cells to sites of infection or injury, facilitating a robust immune response.

While the complement system does enhance phagocytosis by opsonizing pathogens—marking them for ingestion by phagocytic cells—its role is not limited to this function alone. The system’s involvement in direct cytolysis and its influence on inflammation are indeed central to its purpose within the immune response.