Describe how phagocytosis of a virus leads to presentation of its antigens (3 marks)

Virus engulfed by phagocyte (broad immune response), destroyed using lysosomes (hydrolysis) and viral antigens presented on cell membrane (trigger specific immune response e.g. anti-bodies).
Steps of phagocytosis:
1.Phagosome/vesicle fuses with lysosome (1 mark)2.(Virus) destroyed by lysozymes/hydrolytic enzymes (1 mark)3.Peptides/antigen (from virus) are displayed on the cell membrane (1 mark)
Analogy to remember:Operates like packman
Exam technique:Emphasise importance of key terms e.g. "Fusion with phagosome", "Virus hydrolysed, "antigens on cell membrane" in achieving full marks in regard to A-level mark-schemes (e.g. AQA, OCR Edexcel).

BJ
Answered by Ben J. Biology tutor

26941 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How is the heart beat controlled?


Explain why short bursts of anaerobic exercise is possible (in mammals), but impossible at longer durations? (4)


How would you explain oxidative phosphorylation and chemiosmosis?


What are the steps in semi-conservative DNA replication?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning