Phagocytosis

Phagocytosis is the process by which body cells (phagocytes) absorb and digest foreign particles such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms. This process is an important mechanism of the body's immune system that helps protect it from infections and other threats.

Phagocytes are cells that have the ability to absorb and digest foreign particles. They can be specialized cells such as macrophages and neutrophils, or more widely distributed cells such as endothelial cells.

The process of phagocytosis begins with the fact that phagocytes detect a foreign particle. Then phagocytes begin to move towards this particle, using special chemotaxin proteins that help them navigate in space. When a phagocyte reaches a foreign particle, it begins to secrete special molecules that bind to the surface of the particle. This causes the phagocyte to adhere to the particle and begin to engulf it.

The absorption of the particle by the phagocyte occurs thanks to special proteins called mannose receptors. These proteins allow the phagocyte to recognize particles containing mannose, which is a carbohydrate found on the surface of many bacteria and viruses. After the phagocyte has engulfed the particle, it begins to digest it using special enzymes such as lysosomes.

Particle digestion occurs in several stages. First, the phagocyte secretes enzymes that destroy the particle shell. Enzymes then penetrate the particle and begin to break down its contents into smaller molecules. The phagocyte then releases the contents of the particle into the environment, where it can be destroyed by other phagocytes or destroyed by the body's immune system.