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GCSE Biology · key term
A white blood cell that engulfs and digests pathogens.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.2.2.3, 4.3.1.6 · Paper 1
A white blood cell that engulfs and destroys pathogens.
Revise: Blood CompositionPhagocytes can change shape to surround, engulf and digest pathogens; this process is called phagocytosis. Lymphocytes produce antibodies. An antibody has a shape complementary to a particular antigen on a pathogen, so it binds specifically and helps bring about the pathogen's destruction.
Distinguish phagocytes, which engulf and digest pathogens, from lymphocytes, which produce specific antibodies.
Link each adaptation to its function: for example, a phagocyte’s ability to change shape lets it engulf a pathogen.
Link each adaptation to an action and then to protection: for example, a phagocyte changes shape to engulf a pathogen, which is then digested.
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Specification 8.6 · Paper 2
Revise: Blood ComponentsTwo types to distinguish are phagocytes and lymphocytes.
Specification B6.3j, B6.3l · Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher)
Revise: White blood cells and plateletsPhagocytes are white blood cells that can move towards pathogens and change shape around them. Many have a multi-lobed nucleus, which helps the cell remain flexible as it moves and engulfs a pathogen. The pathogen is enclosed inside the phagocyte and broken down by digestive enzymes.
Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)
Revise: White Blood CellsA phagocyte can change shape and extend around a pathogen, enclosing it inside the cell. Digestive enzymes break the trapped pathogen down. This process, called phagocytosis, destroys the invader rather than simply moving it elsewhere.