4.1.1: Communicable Diseases: Phagocytosis

Question 1

What is phagocytosis?

Answer 1

A non-specific response where phagocytes engulf and digest pathogens.

Phagocytes include white blood cells such as macrophages and neutrophils.

Question 2

Name two types of phagocytes.

Answer 2

• Macrophages
• Neutrophils

These cells travel in the blood and play a key role in the immune response.

Question 3

What role do cytokines play in phagocytosis?

Answer 3

They are cell-signalling chemicals that attract phagocytes to the site of infection.

Cytokines are released by damaged cells and pathogens.

Question 4

What is an opsonin?

Answer 4

A protein that attaches to pathogens to mark them for easier engulfment by phagocytes.

Opsonins enhance the ability of phagocytes to recognize and ingest pathogens.

Question 5

What do phagocytes use to attach to pathogens?

Answer 5

Receptors on their surface that can bind to chemicals on the pathogen’s surface.

This interaction facilitates the process of engulfing the pathogens.

Question 6

What is a phagosome?

Answer 6

A vesicle formed when a phagocyte engulfs a pathogen.

The phagosome contains the ingested pathogen.

Question 7

What do lysosomes contain that aids in pathogen digestion?

Answer 7

Hydrolytic lysozyme enzymes.

These enzymes are crucial for breaking down the pathogen within the phagocyte.

Question 8

What happens when a lysosome fuses with a phagosome?

Answer 8

It exposes the pathogen to lysozyme, leading to hydrolysis and digestion of the pathogen.

This fusion creates a phagolysosome.

Question 9

What do phagocytes do with the antigens of digested pathogens?

Answer 9

They present the antigens on their surface and become antigen-presenting cells.

This process is important for activating other immune cells.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: Phagocytes engage in the process of _______ to eliminate pathogens.

Answer 10

[phagocytosis]