# White blood cells play an important role in defending the body against pathogens. Describe TWO ways in which white blood cells defend the body against pathogens.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 2.8 Disease, defence and treatment · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. White blood cells can engulf/ingest pathogens (phagocytosis)
2. The pathogens are then digested/destroyed by enzymes inside the white blood cell
3. White blood cells produce antibodies (that are specific to the pathogen's antigens)
4. White blood cells produce antitoxins that neutralise toxins released by pathogens

## Key terms

- [white blood cells](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/white-blood-cells)
- [pathogens](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/pathogens)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" 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/white-blood-cells-play-an-important-161fc73a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.