# Describe the role of lymphocytes and phagocytes in destroying a pathogen that has entered the body.

> WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales) — 3.4 Population size and ecosystems · Describe · 5 marks

> When a pathogen enters the body, the immune system responds by using two types of white blood cell to destroy it.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Lymphocytes detect antigens on the surface of the pathogen
2. Lymphocytes release / produce antibodies complementary to the antigen
3. Antibodies clump pathogens together (agglutination) / neutralise the pathogen, making it easier for the immune system to destroy
4. Phagocytes engulf / ingest the pathogen
5. Phagocytes digest the pathogen using enzymes (phagocytosis)

## Key terms

- [lymphocyte](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/lymphocyte)
- [phagocyte](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/phagocyte)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-role-of-lymphocytes-and-f3eea210) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.