Question

What is the key characteristic of phagocytosis as a defence mechanism?

Options

• It produces fever to slow pathogen reproduction

• It increases blood vessel permeability at the infection site

• It is rapid, non-specific, and does not require prior exposure to the pathogen

• It requires antibodies to mark pathogens for destruction

Answer 1

Phagocytosis is characterized as a rapid, non-specific process that does not require prior exposure to the pathogen. This makes it an effective component of innate immunity that can respond immediately to any pathogen without requiring previous sensitization or the development of specific immune responses.