C5b rapidly attaches to cell surfaces and binds to one C6 molecule. The C5bC6 then binds to one C7 molecule and can then bind to the cell membrane via the C7. This then enables the binding of one C8 molecule. It is the C8 which inserts into the cell membrane and enables C9 to bind. These polymerize within the cell membrane (1-16 C9 molecules) resulting in a small pore being formed which causes cell lysis by osmotic shock. | C5b rapidly attaches to cell surfaces and binds to one C6 molecule. The C5bC6 then binds to one C7 molecule and can then bind to the cell membrane via the C7. This then enables the binding of one C8 molecule. It is the C8 which inserts into the cell membrane and enables C9 to bind. These polymerize within the cell membrane (1-16 C9 molecules) resulting in a small pore being formed which causes cell lysis by osmotic shock. |