Question

Which of the following are stages of phagocytosis?

• A. Lysosome destroys the pathogens.
• B. Engulfing of the pathogen in the membrane sac.
• C. Some pathogens may be expelled unharmed.
• D. Pathogen membrane sacs combine with the lysosome.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (D)

The correct options are
A Lysosome destroys the pathogens.
B Engulfing of the pathogen in the membrane sac.
D Pathogen membrane sacs combine with the lysosome.

Phagocytosis is the process by which certain living cells called phagocytes ingest or engulf other cells or particles. Phagocytosis is the primary method used by the body to remove free microorganisms in the blood and tissue fluids. A phagocyte, on detecting a pathogen, will move towards it and attach itself to the surface of the pathogen. Once contact is made, it'll start to engulf the pathogen into the membrane sac. Now there is a cell organelle called lysosome present in the phagocyte who contains enzymes which help to destroy the pathogens. Once the pathogen is completely engulfed, the lysosome combines with the membrane sac and with the help of enzymes it'll break down the pathogen thus making it harmless. The remains of the pathogen are then expelled out of the cell membrane.