Phagocytosis and Destroying Pathogens Flashcards

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What type of blood cell carries out phagocytosis?

White blood cells called phagocytes carry out phagocytosis.

What does the term phagocytosis mean?

Phagocytosis means a white blood cell surrounds, takes in, and digests a pathogen.

What do phagocytes destroy during phagocytosis?

Phagocytes destroy pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses.

Is phagocytosis a specific or non-specific defence, and what does this mean?

Phagocytosis is a non-specific defence. Phagocytes attack many different types of pathogens in the same way.

What is the first thing a phagocyte does when it meets a pathogen?

The phagocyte moves towards the pathogen and recognises it as foreign to the body.

What happens when a phagocyte engulfs a pathogen?

The phagocyte’s membrane closes around the pathogen and traps it inside a small bubble in the cell.

What is the role of enzymes in phagocytosis?

Enzymes inside the phagocyte break down and digest the trapped pathogen.

How does phagocytosis stop a pathogen from spreading in the body?

Phagocytosis digests the pathogen so it cannot reproduce or release more toxins.

What happens to the broken-down products after a pathogen is digested by a phagocyte?

The phagocyte uses some of the useful products and removes the waste from the cell.

Why is phagocytosis important for keeping us healthy?

Phagocytosis quickly removes and destroys pathogens that get past the body’s other defences, helping to prevent disease.