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GCSE Biology · key term
A nucleated blood cell that helps defend the body against pathogens.
Used by AQA and OCR
Specification 4.2.2.3, 4.3.1.6 · Paper 1
Revise: Blood CompositionRed blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are suspended in this plasma and carried through the blood vessels.
A body cell involved in defending against pathogens, including phagocytes and lymphocytes.
When identifying cells in a blood smear, use more than colour: red blood cells are numerous, small and lack a nucleus; white blood cells are larger and have a visible nucleus; platelets are much smaller fragments.
Distinguish platelets from white blood cells: platelets cause clotting, whereas white blood cells defend the body against pathogens.
For phagocytosis, include both stages: the white blood cell engulfs the pathogen and then digests it using enzymes.
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Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)
A cell of the immune system that helps protect the body against pathogens.
Revise: White Blood CellsWhite blood cells are immune-system cells carried in the blood. When a pathogen enters the body, they help prevent it from causing disease. A pathogen has molecules called antigens on its surface.