Which innate defense engulfs pathogens and cell debris?

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Multiple Choice

Which innate defense engulfs pathogens and cell debris?

Engulfing pathogens and cell debris is the job of phagocytes, specialized cells of the innate immune system. They reach the site of infection, adhere to targets, and ingest them into a phagosome. The phagosome then fuses with a lysosome to form a phagolysosome, where enzymes and reactive oxygen species digest the material. This rapid, nonspecific cleanup helps control infection and paves the way for further immune responses. Interferons are cytokines that set up antiviral states in neighboring cells, not for engulfing pathogens. Fever is a systemic response that raises body temperature to hinder pathogen growth. Immune surveillance refers to monitoring for abnormal cells (often involving NK cells) rather than the direct ingestion and digestion of microbes.

Engulfing pathogens and cell debris is the job of phagocytes, specialized cells of the innate immune system. They reach the site of infection, adhere to targets, and ingest them into a phagosome. The phagosome then fuses with a lysosome to form a phagolysosome, where enzymes and reactive oxygen species digest the material. This rapid, nonspecific cleanup helps control infection and paves the way for further immune responses.

Interferons are cytokines that set up antiviral states in neighboring cells, not for engulfing pathogens. Fever is a systemic response that raises body temperature to hinder pathogen growth. Immune surveillance refers to monitoring for abnormal cells (often involving NK cells) rather than the direct ingestion and digestion of microbes.

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