OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

What is essential for phagocytosis to occur?

1. Energy release

2. Active transport

3. Lysosomes

4. Mitosis

The correct answer is: Lysosomes

Phagocytosis is a cellular process whereby a cell engulfs solid particles or microorganisms, playing a critical role in the immune response and maintaining tissue homeostasis. For phagocytosis to occur effectively, lysosomes are essential. These organelles contain hydrolytic enzymes that break down the engulfed material after it is enclosed in a phagocytic vesicle, ensuring that the cellular debris or pathogens are properly processed and eliminated. The involvement of lysosomes is crucial because they provide the necessary enzymes to degrade the ingested material into smaller components that can be reused by the cell or expelled from it. Without lysosomes, the cell would not be able to efficiently digest and process the contents it has phagocytized, leading to potential toxicity and impaired cellular function. Thus, the presence and functionality of lysosomes are what fundamentally enable phagocytosis.