What is the process of phagocytosis

Phagocytosis is the non-specific engulfing and destroying of a pathogen by white blood cells known as phagocytes. On detecting foreign chemicals produced by a pathogen known as cytokines, the phagocyte will be attracted to the pathogen. It will bind its receptors to the pathogen and engulf it. Within the phagocyte the pathogen is held in a vesicle known as a phagosome. Lysosomes, organelles within the phagocyte, will then fuse with this phagosome. They release enzymes known as lysozymes which will hydrolyse the pathogen, destroying it. The products of this digestion will be absorbed into the phagocyte's cytoplasm. Some specific molecules are presented on the phagocyte's surface to act as antigens, which can be used to activate later specific immune responses.

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Answered by Katie R. Biology tutor

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