FlashFlowBiology - Phagocytosis
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What is phagocytosis?
The process where a white blood cell engulfs and destroys a …
What type of cell carries out phagocytosis?
A phagocyte
What is a pathogen?
A microorganism that causes disease
What is the first step of phagocytosis?
The phagocyte detects and moves towards the pathogen
What happens when a phagocyte reaches a pathogen?
It surrounds the pathogen with its cell membrane
What is engulfment?
When the cell membrane surrounds and takes in the pathogen
What is a phagosome?
A vesicle inside the phagocyte containing the engulfed patho…
What happens to the pathogen after it is engulfed?
It is trapped inside the phagocyte
What are lysosomes?
Structures containing digestive enzymes
What happens when a lysosome fuses with the phagosome?
Digestive enzymes are released around the pathogen
What do the digestive enzymes do?
Break down and destroy the pathogen
What happens to the pathogen after digestion?
It is broken down into smaller harmless fragments
Why is phagocytosis important?
It helps protect the body from pathogens
Which type of pathogen can phagocytes destroy?
Bacteria and other harmful microorganisms
What is an immune response?
The body's response to harmful pathogens
How do phagocytes recognise pathogens?
They recognise molecules on the pathogen's surface
What is an antigen?
A molecule on a pathogen that can be recognised by the immun…
How does the phagocyte move towards a pathogen?
It detects chemical signals and moves towards it
What happens to the cell membrane during phagocytosis?
It extends around and encloses the pathogen
Does phagocytosis destroy the pathogen?
Yes
How is phagocytosis different from antibody action?
Phagocytosis involves engulfing pathogens
Why are phagocytes important?
They are part of the body's defence against infection
What happens to the remains of a pathogen?
They can be removed or used as part of the immune response
What is the overall process of phagocytosis?
Recognition