# Explain how phagocytes and lymphocytes work together to destroy a pathogen that has entered the body for the first time.

> Eduqas A-Level Biology — 3.1 Photosynthesis · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. White blood cells detect the pathogen by identifying antigens on its surface
2. Lymphocytes trigger the release of antibodies that are specific/complementary to the antigen
3. Antibodies bind to antigens on the pathogen, neutralising it and/or clumping pathogens together (agglutination)
4. Lymphocytes activate phagocytes, which engulf and digest the pathogen using enzymes (phagocytosis)
5. After the infection, memory cells remain so that if the same pathogen enters again, it is destroyed more quickly

## Key terms

- [phagocytes](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/phagocytes)
- [lymphocytes](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/lymphocytes)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Biology](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-b9d7ea25) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.