The lectin and the classical pathway are similar because:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The lectin and classical pathways both lead to the formation of the same C3 convertase (C4b2a). This is because in the lectin pathway, mannose-binding lectin (MBL) binds to specific sugar residues on pathogens, activating MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs) that cleave C4 and C2 to form the C3 convertase. Similarly, in the classical pathway, C1 complex binds to antigen-antibody complexes, activating C1s to cleave C4 and C2 to form the C3 convertase. This convergent step in both pathways results in the cleavage of C3 into C3a and C3b, leading to downstream complement activation. The other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the key similarity between the lectin and classical pathways in terms of the formation of the C3 convertase.