Second Line of Defence: Phagocytosis
Part of Human Defense Systems - Non-specific — GCSE Biology
This deep dive covers Second Line of Defence: Phagocytosis within Human Defense Systems - Non-specific for GCSE Biology. Physical and chemical barriers, white blood cell responses, inflammatory response It is section 7 of 16 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 7 of 16
Practice
19 questions
Recall
22 flashcards
Second Line of Defence: Phagocytosis
If pathogens get past the body's barriers, phagocytes (a type of white blood cell) are the next line of defence. Phagocytes move to the site of infection and destroy pathogens by a process called phagocytosis.
- Detection — the phagocyte detects chemicals released by the pathogen and moves towards it
- Engulfing — the phagocyte surrounds the pathogen with its cell membrane and takes it inside the cell
- Digestion — enzymes inside the phagocyte break down and destroy the pathogen
This process is non-specific — phagocytes attack any pathogen, regardless of type. The same response happens whether the pathogen is a bacterium, a fungus, or a virus.