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The diagram below illustrates one process that occurs as part of an immune response - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2004 - Paper 1
Question 5
The diagram below illustrates one process that occurs as part of an immune response. Bacterium White blood cell What process does the diagram illustrate? ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram below illustrates one process that occurs as part of an immune response - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2004 - Paper 1
Step 1
What process does the diagram illustrate?
Answer
The process illustrated by the diagram is known as Phagocytosis. This is a crucial mechanism of the immune response wherein white blood cells engulf and digest pathogens, such as bacteria.
Explanation: Phagocytosis involves the following steps:
- Recognition: The white blood cell identifies the bacterium as foreign.
- Engulfment: The white blood cell encircles the bacterium with its membrane.
- Formation of a Phagosome: The engulfed bacterium is enclosed within a pocket formed from the cell membrane, producing a phagosome.
- Digestion: The phagosome merges with a lysosome, where enzymes break down the bacterium.
This response is vital for protecting the body against infections.