Phagocytosis

Question 1

A process by which specialized cells, known as phagocytes, engulf, and dispose of large,
solid particles such as dead cells and bacteria or viruses, helping to protect the body from invading microbes.

Answer 1

Phagocytosis

Question 2

A specific form of endocytosis, resulting only in the ingestion of much larger solid particles that have not previously been broken down.

Answer 2

Phagocytosis

Question 3

Macrophages and neutrophils are examples of what?

Answer 3

Phagocytes.

Question 4

Fill in the blanks.

First Step: Receptors on a ___ surface ___ to large solid particles such as microbes, dead cells, and debris.

Answer 4

Receptors on a phagocyte’s surface bind to large solid particles such as microbes, dead
cells, and debris.

Question 5

Fill in the blanks.

Second Step: The binding action triggers the plasma membrane to ___, called ___, around the bound particles forming a ___, known as a ___.

Answer 5

The binding action triggers the plasma membrane to extend finger-like projections, called pseudopods, around the bound particles forming a vesicle, known as a phagosome.

Question 6

Fill in the blanks.

Third Step: The ___ becomes detached from the plasma membrane and enters the ___ within the cell.

Answer 6

This vesicle becomes detached from the plasma membrane and enters the cytoplasm
within the cell.

Question 7

Fill in the blanks.

Fourth Step: The ___ then fuses with a ___ containing ___ enzymes.

Answer 7

The phagosome then fuses with a lysosome containing digestive enzymes.

Question 8

Fill in the blanks.

Fifth Step: The ___ in the lysosome break down the ___ into ___ molecules, and the ___ enter the cytoplasm.

Answer 8

The digestive enzymes in the lysosome break down the engulfed particles into smaller molecules, and the digested solutes enter the cytoplasm.

Question 9

Fill in the blanks.

Sixth Step: Any remaining undigested material is contained in a ___, known as a ___, which remains in the phagocyte’s ___.

Answer 9

Any remaining undigested material is contained in a vesicle, known as a residual body, which remains in the phagocyte’s cytoplasm.

Question 10

In simple terms, enumerate the steps of phagocytosis:

Answer 10

1. Receptors on a phagocyte’s surface bind to large solid particles.
2. After binding, pseudopods forms around particles, creating a vesicle/phagosome.
3. The phagosome enters the cytoplasm within the cell.
4. The phagosome fuses with a lysosome.
5. The digestive enzymes of a lysosome breaks down particles into smaller molecules.
6. Any undigested material is contained in a residual body, remaining in the cytoplasm.