Suppose a white blood cell destroys invading bacteria by phagocytosis. Which statement best describes this process?
a
The white blood cells are using passive transport and therefore are not using energy.
b
The white blood cells are using osmosis and therefore are using energy.
c
The white blood cells are using active transport, and therefore are using energy.
d
The white blood cells are using diffusion and therefore are not using energy.
c
The white blood cells are using active transport, and therefore are using energy.
The correct statement is:
c
The white blood cells are using active transport, and therefore are using energy.
In phagocytosis, white blood cells engulf and ingest (or "eat") invading bacteria or other particles. This process requires energy and is a form of active transport, as the cells are actively moving and engulfing the bacteria.
To determine the best statement that describes the process of a white blood cell destroying invading bacteria by phagocytosis, we need to understand the process itself.
Phagocytosis is an active process where white blood cells, particularly phagocytes, engulf and digest pathogens or foreign particles. During phagocytosis, the white blood cell surrounds the bacteria or particle, forming a membrane-bound vesicle called a phagosome. The phagosome then fuses with lysosomes, which contain digestive enzymes that break down the bacteria or particle.
Now, let's analyze the statements:
a) The statement suggests that white blood cells use passive transport and do not require energy. However, phagocytosis is an active process that involves the movement of the cell membrane and the fusion of vesicles, which require energy. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
b) The statement states that white blood cells use osmosis during phagocytosis. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane. While osmosis may occur in certain cellular processes, it is not directly involved in phagocytosis. Additionally, the statement suggests that energy is required for osmosis, which is incorrect. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
c) The statement correctly identifies that white blood cells use active transport during phagocytosis. Active transport refers to the movement of substances against their concentration gradient, which requires energy. In phagocytosis, the white blood cell actively engulfs the bacteria or particle by changing its shape and forming the phagosome. Thus, this statement is correct.
d) The statement suggests that white blood cells use diffusion during phagocytosis. Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration and does not involve engulfment or active transport. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Based on our analysis, the correct answer is c) "The white blood cells are using active transport and therefore are using energy."