Question 22

Lysosomes contribute to phagocytosis in white blood cells.

Lysosomes play a critical role in phagocytosis by breaking down engulfed pathogens and debris within white blood cells. They contain digestive enzymes that digest the material taken up by the cell, facilitating the immune response.

A) ER

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is primarily involved in the synthesis of proteins and lipids, not in the process of phagocytosis. While it does contribute to cellular functions, it does not directly participate in the breakdown of engulfed materials, making it an incorrect choice.

B) Lysosomes

Lysosomes are essential for phagocytosis as they contain hydrolytic enzymes that degrade macromolecules. When a white blood cell engulfs pathogens, lysosomes fuse with the phagosomes, allowing for the digestion and elimination of harmful substances, thereby making this the correct answer.

C) Vacuole

Vacuoles can hold various substances within cells, but they do not have the specific enzymatic activity required for the breakdown of materials during phagocytosis. Therefore, vacuoles do not play a direct role in the degradation of pathogens, rendering this option incorrect.

D) Golgi apparatus

The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles. It does not engage in phagocytosis or the digestion of pathogens, making this option incorrect as well.

Conclusion

Lysosomes are the correct answer as they are specifically designed to digest and break down materials engulfed during phagocytosis in white blood cells. The other options, including the ER, vacuoles, and the Golgi apparatus, do not contribute directly to the phagocytic process, highlighting the unique function of lysosomes in cellular immunity.