Jane is healthy woman who does not currently

have an infection. However, a blood test found complement proteins in her

blood. 

       (A)     Is

the presence of complement expected? 

Briefly explain why or why not.

       (B)     The

complement proteins in Jane’s blood were not activated.  Why is this the case? 

       (C)     Spontaneous

hydrolysis of C3 complement protein occurred at a slow rate in Jane’s blood.

Describe how the reaction changed when Jane got an infection and why.     

[2 + 1 + 3 = 6 marks]

[max. 200 words]