Phagocytosis

STEP 5 - PHAGOCYTOSIS) What happens to the debris of the pathogen? What is this process called?

They are removed by absorption into the cell's cytoplasm. This is called exocytosis.

STEP 2 - PHAGOCYTOSIS) What is the role of the receptors on the cell-surface membrane of the phagocyte?

To recognise the pathogen and allow it to attach.

What fluid do phagocytes travel in?

Blood, but they can move into other places like vessels too.

STEP 1 - PHAGOCYTOSIS) What attracts the phagocyte to the pathogen and what does it travel down?

Chemical products produced by pathogens or from dead, damaged or abnormal cell material. A concentration gradient.

STEP 3 - PHAGOCYTOSIS) What happens to the pathogen and what is the name of the vesicle that is formed?

It is engulfed. Phagosome.

STEP 4 - PHAGOCYTOSIS) What moves towards the pathogen, what enzyme does this organelle release and, as a result, what do these enzymes do?

Lysosomes which release lysozymes. These lysozymes hydrolyse the cell wall of the pathogen, breaking it down.

What type of response is phagocytosis described as being?

Non-specific.

Phagocytosis is carried out by what type of white blood cell? (clue: it's in the name!)

Phagocyte