Explain the process of phagocytosis

Phagocytes detects pathogen due to chemical produced by the pathogen. The phagocyte move via a concentration gradient to the pathogen. The phagocyte engulfs the pathogen thereby producing a phagosome where the pathogen has been completely engulfed. The phagocyte contains lysosomes which fuse with the phagosome releasing hydrolytic enzymes which result in the pathogen being broken down. The pathogen waste products are either excreted by exocytosis or the antigens are then presented on the cell membrane of the phagocyte, where either T-killer cells or lymphocytes can then differentiate into plasma cells producing antibodies resulting in the pathogen being destroyed.

SC
Answered by Sam C. Biology tutor

7375 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the ways in which LDLs and HDLs affect the formation of atheromas.


Describe the structure of a protein and how it determines its function.


What is the function of T-helper cells?


Describe how ATP is generated in the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis.


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