Phagocytosis Flashcards
What is a phagocyte?
A type of white blood cell that carries out phagocytosis
First cells to respond to an immune system trigger inside the body
Where are phagocytes found?
In the blood and tissues
What is the first step when a phagocyte recognises the foreign antigens?
The cytoplasm of the phagocyte moves round the pathogen, engulfing it
The pathogen is now contained in a phagocytic vacuole in the cytoplasm of the phagocyte
What is a lysosome?
An organelle that contains enzymes called lysozymes
What does the lysosome do in phagocytosis?
Fuses with the phagocytic vacuole
The lysozymes break down the pathogen
How does the phagocyte act as an antigen-presenting cell?
The phagocyte presents the pathogen’s antigens by sticking the antigens on its surface to activate other immune system cells
