What is the difference between a phagocyte and a lymphocyte?

One of the first cells to respond to an infection will be a phagocyteThese migrate to the pathogen (foreign object with potential to cause disease)They engulf the phagocyte in a process known as phagocytosis The pathogen is broken down inside itThis prevents the further spread of the pathogen the broken parts of the pathogen are displayed on the phagocytes surface receptors which are like an antenna dish, in order to inform the lymphocyte of what is has come across
A specific lymphocyte will recognise this and divide, and help produce antibodiesantibodies help neutralise the pathogen incase it comes back in the future

OB
Answered by Omar B. Biology tutor

3628 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between diffusion and osmosis?


How does the body control blood sugar


What are the non-specific defence systems of the human body that protect it from pathogens?


How do you calculate the magnification of an image? For example, if the real size of a cell is 30um and the size of the cell in the textbook is 60mm, what is the magnification?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning