A Level Biology Practice Exam

During phagocytosis, what happens to the engulfed material?

1. It is excreted from the cell

2. It is stored in vacuoles

3. It is digested within a vesicle

4. It is transformed into energy

The correct answer is: It is digested within a vesicle

The engulfed material during phagocytosis is enclosed within a vesicle, known as a phagosome, which then fuses with lysosomes containing digestive enzymes. These enzymes break down the engulfed material into its basic components, such as amino acids, fatty acids, and sugars, which can be utilized by the cell. This process not only helps in digesting harmful pathogens and cellular debris but also serves to recycle nutrients for the cell’s own use. Thus, the correct answer highlights the critical role of vesicles and lysosomes in digesting the engulfed material, making it available for cellular functions and energy production.