This is the lytic pathway of complement function and can be initiated via either C or C . C5b, like C3b is also very short-lived and biological active. It rapidly attaches to cell surfaces and binds to one C6 (see Figure 2). The C5bC6 complex binds one C7 and then one C8 molecule in turn. Finally about 16 C9 molecules bind and polymerize within the cell membrane. This polymerization of C9 results in a small pore being formed, which causes cell lysis by osmotic shock. | This is the lytic pathway of complement function and can be initiated via either C or C . C5b, like C3b is also very short-lived and biological active. It rapidly attaches to cell surfaces and binds to one C6 (see Figure 2). The C5bC6 complex binds one C7 and then one C8 molecule in turn. Finally about 16 C9 molecules bind and polymerize within the cell membrane. This polymerization of C9 results in a small pore being formed, which causes cell lysis by osmotic shock. |