The role of white blood cells in the defence against disease

Question 1

Ingesting microorganisms

Answer 1

It can protect you against disease by some white blood cells ingest (take in) pathogens, digesting and destroying them so they cannot make you ill.

Question 2

Producing antibodies

Answer 2

It can protect you against disease by some white blood cells produce special chemicals called antibodies. These target particular bacteria or viruses and destroy them. You need a unique antibody for each type of pathogen. When your white blood cells have produced antibodies once against a particular pathogen, they can be made very quickly if that pathogen gets into the body again. This stops you getting the disease twice.

Question 3

Producing antitoxins

Answer 3

It can protect you against disease by some white blood cells produce antitoxins. These counteract (cancel out) the toxins released by pathogens.