Compare and contrast the classic and alternative pathways of complementary activation. Which pathways is more directly tied to the immune response?

The compliment
system is a non-adaptive part of the immune system which primarily supports other kinds of
immune functions by creating inflammation to attract other immune cells, by helping cells to
consume pathogens by phagocytosis, and by creating direct pathways through the membranes of
pathogens.

The classical pathway of complimentary activation of the immune
system is activated directly by the introduction of specific immunoglobulin molecules or
pathogens to an environment where the C1q complement molecule can be found. These C1 molecules
eventually become C3 molecules, which are also present at low levels when there is not a strong
immune response.

The alternative pathway is always activated at a low level
because the complement molecule C3 exists in equilibrium, partially decaying into C3b which can
either perform an immune system supporting action, or will be rapidly inactivated by other
chemical factors in the environment. When the immune system is more activated, the classical
pathway will result in a higher concentration of C3 molecules.

Because the
alternative pathway is not triggered by other immune system activity, the classical pathway is
more directly tied to the immune response. Still, these pathways are directly tied to each
other, which makes this distinction a minor one at best.