Explain the process of phagocytosis

The first stage of phagocytosis is named chemotaxis. This stage involves the migration of the phagocyte (a type of lymphocyte/ white blood cell) towards a pathogen. This occurs due to foreign antigens (non self) being detected on the surface of the pathogen.After reaching the pathogen, the phagocyte ingests the pathogen and encloses it in a phagosome.Once enclosed, the phagosome fuses with an existing lysosome inside of the phagocyte. This forms a phagolysosome. The lysosome contains a hydrolytic enzyme named lysozyme, which hydrolyses the pathogen, therefore destroying it.The waste material is discharged from the phagocyte and is unable to cause harm to the body.

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