# Explain how phagocytes and lymphocytes work together to destroy a pathogen that has entered the body for the first time. Include in your answer what happens after the infection has been cleared.

> WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales) — 3.1 Photosynthesis · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Lymphocytes detect the antigen on the pathogen's surface (using receptors) and release antibodies
2. Antibodies bind to the antigens on the pathogen to neutralise it / clump pathogens together (agglutination)
3. Lymphocytes activate phagocytes
4. Phagocytes engulf (ingest) and digest the pathogen using enzymes (phagocytosis)
5. After the infection, memory cells remain so the body can respond more quickly if the same pathogen is encountered again

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-phagocytes-and-lymphocytes-work-8a1f32cb) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.