How can white blood cells defend against pathogens? (Give 3 ways)

White blood cells (WBC) are like our body's guards patrolling our blood to look for any pathogens (bacteria and virus).WBC kills pathogens in the following ways before pathogens make us ill.Eating them: WBC come closer and surround the bacteria before they engulf and digest them. This is through a process called phagocytosis.Producing antibodies: WBC can produce antibodies (a protein) that can bind specifically to the antigens on the surface of bacteria. This acts like a key fitting into a lock. For example, only antibodies A can bind to antigen A but not antigen B. Antibodies are then produced rapidly to look for similar bacteria or virus around the body. If we get infected again by the same pathogen in the future, the white blood cells can produce the antibodies so quickly to kill the pathogens before they make us ill. Producing antitoxins: Invading bacteria can produce toxins to make us ill. WBC produce antitoxins to neutralise (make it less toxic) the toxins.

YL
Answered by Yvonne L. Biology tutor

39217 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why are the walls of the left ventricle thicker than the walls of the right ventricle?


Explain the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle from day 1-14 of the cycle.


What is genetic drift?


Which of the basic life processes is described here? The ability of multicellular organisms to regulate their internal environment so that it stays optimum for cellular survival.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning