Polymerization: C8-C9
Similar hydrophobic sites on C8 and C9 molecules are exposed when they bind to the complex, so they can also insert into the bilayer.
C8 is a complex made of the two proteins C8-beta and C8 alpha-gamma.
C8 alpha-gamma has the hydrophobic area that inserts into the bilayer. C8 alpha-gamma induces the polymerization of 10-16 molecules of C9 into a pore-forming structure known as the membrane attack complex.
- It has a hydrophobic external face allowing it to associate with the lipid bilayer.
- It has a hydrophilic internal face to allow the passage of water.
Read more about this topic: Complement Membrane Attack Complex