[Unit 5.2] | Phagocytosis

Question 1

What is phagocytosis?

Answer 1

The process where phagocytes ingest and destroy pathogens.

Question 2

Describe the process of phagocytosis.

Answer 2

1. Phagocyte is attracted to a pathogen by its chemical products (ie. toxins).
2. Receptors on the phagocyte’s surface bind to chemicals on the pathogens surface
3. Pathogen is engulfed into a vesicle called a phagosome.
4. Lysosomes move toward & fuse with the phagosome.
5. Lysozymes are released into the phagosome to hydrolyse the pathogen.
6. Products of hydrolysis are absorbed into the cytoplasm of the phagocyte.