What describes the process of a WBC engulfing a bacterial cell?

Phagocytosis is the specific process by which a white blood cell (WBC) engulfs and digests a bacterial cell. This process involves the WBC recognizing the bacterial cell as foreign, then surrounding it with its membrane to form a vesicle called a phagosome. Once the bacterium is contained within the phagosome, digestive enzymes are released to destroy it.

This mechanism is essential for the immune response, enabling the body to eliminate pathogens and prevent infections. Unlike other cellular processes, phagocytosis is a targeted action that typically involves larger particles, such as bacteria or dead cells, rather than fluids or small molecules.

Understanding this process is key in immunology and helps to explain how the body defends itself against infections and diseases caused by microorganisms.