A person has a genetic disease that prevents the phospholipids in the plasma membrane of the white blood cells from freely fusing with the other membranes within the cell. How would this disease affect phagocytosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phagocytic process involves the engulfment of pathogens or debris by white blood cells, forming a phagocytic vacuole. This vacuole then fuses with a lysosome, which contains hydrolytic enzymes that break down the engulfed material. If the phospholipids in the plasma membrane cannot fuse with other membranes within the cell, this critical fusion between the phagocytic vacuole and the lysosome would be impaired, hindering the breakdown of the engulfed material.

A Person Has a Genetic Disease That Prevents the Phospholipids