C Reactive Protein – Microbiology MCQ

In ‘C Reactive Protein’, the letter ‘C’ is short for?

A. Cellular
B. Cytoplasmic
C. Capsular polysaccharide of pneumococcus
D. Concanavalin A

Correct answer : C. Capsular polysaccharide of pneumococcus

Structure of C Reactive Protein

C Reactive Protein (CRP)

• It is an annular pentameric protein seen in blood plasma.
• It was given its name because it was first identified in the serum of patients which reacted with capsular polysaccharide of pneumococcus.
• The levels of CRP increases in inflammatory states (acute phase protein).
• It activates the complement system by binding to phosphocholine expressed on the surface of some bacteria and dead cells.
• It is synthesised in the liver.